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KIK-IRPA's news

Discover the latest news in the field of Belgian heritage.

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Third phase Ghent Altarpiece: First results promise stunning outcome

26.03.2024

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.

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A scientific exploration in 'Atelier Bouts'

16.02.2024

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.

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The restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece explained to the public

08.02.2024

A recent news report on the VRT website shows the progress of the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. The team of restorers, supported by a committee of experts, is making substantial progress on the upper panels of the polyptych. The coverage by the VRT highlights the meticulous work of the restorers.

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The Milan Altarpiece and its Magi at the KBR

13.12.2023

The Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) is presenting, for one month only, an exceptional exhibition dedicated to the altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi from the Basilica of San Nazaro Maggiore in Milan. This piece is a masterpiece of Brussels' 15th-century artistic heritage, recently restored by KIK-IRPA. Its Magi are in the spotlight.

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NEMO 2023 Conference: Driving Towards a Sustainable Future

22.11.2023

At the heart of the NEMO European Museum Conference 2023, KIK-IRPA played a crucial role in developing concrete tools to initiate a paradigm shift in the cultural sector.

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E-RIHS: Towards a European research infrastructure

14.11.2023

Our colleague Wim Fremout coordinates the Belgian node of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS), supporting the interpretation, documentation, preservation, and management of heritage in Europe. Explore further on the new E-RIHS website.

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'Facing Van Eyck' exhibition comes to Berlin

19.10.2023

The interactive installation 'Facing Van Eyck. The Miracle of Detail' is back on show! From 20 October to 3 March 2024, it will be on show at the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, as part of the exhibition 'Zoom auf van Eyck. Meisterwerke im Detail'.

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Register for the Summer School 'Saving energy for cultural heritage institutions'

05.10.2023

The Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) is organizing an international Summer School in partnership with The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). The course will run from 1 to 12 July 2024.

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A Brussels altarpiece from Milan comes back to life

18.09.2023

The altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi, made in Brussels but conserved in Milan, has been restored by KIK-IRPA experts. The style and exceptional quality of the carvings suggest that the Bormans, a dynasty of Brussels sculptors, made it. We presented it to the public on 16 and 17 September.

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A new outfit for Manneken Pis

14.09.2023

The world-famous statue of Manneken Pis wore a special costume on September 14, 2023, to mark the institution's 75th anniversary. The outfit, created by Anouk Van Beurden and Lucien Tigrine, symbolizes the various departments of the institute. By dressing up the statue, we aimed to bring together those involved in Belgian heritage and to advocate for the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

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Symposium XXIII for the Study of the Underdrawing and Technology in Painting

01.09.2023

The international and interdisciplinary XXIII Symposium for the Study of Underdrawing and Technology in Painting focuses on 'Cross-Media Perspectives. Technical Studies of Art on Panel, Paper and Parchment (1400-1600)'. The three-day congress will take place from 11 to 13 January 2024 in Leuven and Brussels.

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An exceptional magazine to celebrate our 75th anniversary

11.08.2023

Discover why and how KIK-IRPA takes care of our Belgian heritage in a special edition magazine published to celebrate our 75 anniversary.

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