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.
75 years at the service of Belgian heritage
In 2023, KIK-IRPA is turning 75 years old. Join us in celebrating this unique scientific institution in Belgium. Visit IRPA during the open day on 2 March, get connected during the sector day and expect many surprises!
Een winnaar dankzij jouw stem!
De commissie van bekende Belgen verkoos het beeld van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Zieken in Doornik tot Hoofdwinnaar van de Erfgoed Challenge 2022. Het winnende project werd voorgedragen door de Vrienden van de Kathedraal van Doornik VZW. Zij zullen nu een jaar lang door het KIK ondersteund worden in communicatie en fondsenwerving.
Het beeld van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van de Zieken in Doornik won ook de Publieksprijs. Maar liefst 4633 liefhebbers (op een totaal van 14980) stemden voor deze erfgoedschat. Dit betekent dat het KIK alvast een korting van 5.000 euro toekent op de conservatie- en restauratiebehandeling van dit bijzondere beeld.
Het KIK kijkt uit naar de samenwerking met jou, de Vrienden van de Kathedraal van Doornik VZW en alle betrokken partners.
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
The altarpiece of the Virgin is back in Boussu
Now that the research and restoration by KIK-IRPA have been completed - results of dendrochronology research will follow - the Virgin Mary altarpiece, with the fragments stolen in 1914, is on display in the Chapel of the Lords in Boussu.
Hilde De Clercq appointed general director of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
Hilde De Clercq has been appointed general director of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA). She continues her work of the past six years with great enthusiasm and outstanding commitment.