The Sanssouci State Palaces and Gardens at Potsdam house a remarkable collection of marble sculptures, most of them made of Carrara marble. After one sculpture had suffered total damage in 1978, extensive chemical, physical, and microbiological examinations were carried out on this sculpture and other marble objects. The results indicated that microbiological processes are primarily responsible for the destruction of marble. Even below the surface metabolic products may cause recrystallization and thus lead to total destruction. Above all, Cladosporium spec., aerobic sporogenous microorganisms, and gram-positive micrococci were detected. Subsequently, comprehensive measures to preserve the endangered collection of sculptures were taken. See also AATA 22-1224.