Additional funding for the third phase of the conservation of the Ghent Altarpiece
Flemish Ministers Ben Weyts (Immovable Heritage) and Caroline Gennez (Culture) announced additional funding from the Flemish Government for further work in the final phase of the conservation of the Ghent Altarpiece. The announcement was made during a visit to the conservation studio of the Ghent Altarpiece at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent.
“The Ghent Altarpiece is one of the absolute highlights of Flemish art history. Jan and Hubert Van Eyck painted a fascinating masterpiece. In their use of light and detail, the Van Eyck brothers pushed the boundaries—not only of painting, but also of how we view the world. Thanks to this conservation project, future generations will also be able to enjoy this magnificent piece of heritage.”
Just as in the first two phases of the restoration project (the exterior panels from 2012 to 2016 and the lower register of the open altarpiece from 2016 to 2019), the restorers of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) encountered extensive overpaint from the 16th century in phase 3. These layers could only be identified and mapped through specialized research conducted during and after the removal of the varnish.
Following recommendations from the international committee of experts, the national advisory board, and the Flemish Masterpieces Council, a joint decision was made to carry out further research and broaden the restoration approach in order to get as close as possible to the painting’s original appearance in 1432. This will allow for a more faithful and complete conservation of the Ghent Altarpiece.
Flemish Ministers Ben Weyts and Caroline Gennez are allocating an additional €319,000 to ensure the restoration can be completed to the highest standards. The restoration is also financially supported by the Baillet Latour Fund. Thanks to this additional investment, the KIK-IRPA experts not only gain extra budget but also more time, as the removal of the overpaint naturally requires further work.
Tests confirmed that these non-original layers can be safely removed using the same methods applied in phases 1 and 2, without any risk to the original paint layer by the Van Eyck brothers. As the overpaint is gradually removed, the subtle nuances and the virtuoso painting technique of the Van Eycks are once again revealed.
The restoration takes place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent and is visible to the public in real time. The entire process, commissioned by the Cathedral Chapter of Saint Bavo, is coordinated by Bressers Architecten. The newly scheduled completion date is set for December 2026. The fully restored Ghent Altarpiece is expected to return to public view in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in the spring of 2027.
Photos: © MSK/ Martin Corlazzoli
The Ghent Altarpiece
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