Preserving the past and shaping the future
The Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage is the Belgian federal scientific institution that documents, studies, and preserves Belgium's cultural and artistic heritage for future generations.
Our services
Public institutions, and private collection owners in Belgium or abroad, can rely on the Institute for the conservation-restoration, study and documentation of works of art and heritage items. We offer the following services:
- Conservation and restoration of works of art
- Scientific analysis and age-dating techniques
- Scientific photography and imaging
- Research in art history
We share our knowledge and expertise
One of our main missions is collecting, archiving and disseminating scientific research data from all disciplines within the Institute. In addition, we are recognized as pioneers in the field of open data in the world of art and heritage. We are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise as much as possible with the art and heritage sector and the general public.
- Read more about our activities.
- Discover the exceptional scope of our documentation.
- Come and work with us or apply for an internship.
- Search our online artwork database.
Search our database
With BALaT, you can find Belgian art history at your fingertips, with almost 750,000 free downloads.
Floods July 2021: contact point for affected heritage and call for volunteers
We were all shocked by the terrible news of the floods that struck our country. First and foremost, our hearts go out to all the victims and their families. In addition to the untold human suffering, many museums, monuments and heritage sites have been put in danger by this disaster.
The Institute linked up with other relevant authorities in a crisis committee for heritage.
The first winner of the Heritage Challenge is the Rubens Chapel in the Church of St James in Antwerp. It is the final resting place of Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and houses a whole series of art treasures.
The Institute is launching a crowdfunding campaign for the conservation-restoration of the Rubens Chapel. And you, too, can help ensure the future of this unique monument. Become a friend, join an existing initiative or set up your own initiative.
News from the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
Le triptyque de Michiel Coxcie retourne au Sablon
Le triptyque de Michiel Coxcie “Résurrection du Christ et donateurs” a été replacé dans l’église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon, à Bruxelles, après une étude et restauration approfondie à l’IRPA.
Cartografie van de stenen van het belfort van Tongeren
Ons Labo monumenten en monumentale decoratie heeft de steensoorten van het belfort van de Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek van Tongeren in kaart gebracht met het oog op de restauratie ervan. Daarnaast werd er ook een onderzoek uitgevoerd naar de Euvillesteen, om de staat van conservering en behandelingsmogelijkheden te bepalen.