Preserving the past and shaping the future
The Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage is the federal institution that documents, studies and preserves Belgium's cultural and artistic heritage.
The Erfgoed Challenge Patrimoine
The Heritage Challenge (Erfgoed Challenge Patrimoine) is an initiative hoping to restore at least ten fine examples of Belgian cultural heritage in the lead-up to Belgium’s 200th birthday in 2030.
Every year, the victory allows for a year’s worth of help by KIK-IRPA for communications and fundraising for the winning object.
Our services
Public institutions, but also owners of private collections in Belgium and abroad, can apply to our institution for the conservation, study and documentation of works of art and other heritage objects. You can contact us for:
- Conservation of art works
- Scientific analysis methods and dating techniques
- Photography and scientific imaging
- Art historical research
We share our knowledge and expertise
One of the core tasks of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage is collecting, archiving and disseminating the scientific research data from all disciplines covered by our experts. We also play a pioneering role in the field of Open Data in the arts and heritage sector. We want to share our knowledge and expertise with the heritage sector and the general public as much as possible.
- Discover our exceptional range of documentation
- Read more about our activities
- Join our team as an employee or intern
News from the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
Third phase Ghent Altarpiece: First results promise stunning outcome
Since May 2023, the third and final phase of the large-scale conservation-restoration campaign of the altarpiece of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) is ongoing. In recent months, the KIK-IRPA team have been removing non-original varnishes and have carried out a thorough examination of the paint layers underneath. Currently, following the advice of the international commission of experts, they have started removing 16th-century overpaints. Already the first results are breathtakingly beautiful.
A scientific exploration in 'Atelier Bouts'
From 16 February to 28 April 2024, you will discover at M Leuven everything about the practice of Dieric Bouts, the 15th-century painter from Leuven. Through six works of art, six different scientific research techniques are shown. The contribution of the expertise of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage was crucial in this.