Services
The Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) is dedicated to the study and preservation of the cultural heritage of Belgium. Both public institutions and owners of private collections in Belgium and abroad can apply for the conservation, study and documentation of works of art and other heritage items. We work for a wide variety of clients.
Conservation and restoration
Our dedicated team of expert conservators and restorers is committed to preserving, protecting and valorising Belgium's heritage in the best possible way.
Scientific analyses
Our laboratories offer a wide range of scientific analysis services to help you examine a work of art, a historic building or an archaeological object.
Scientific Imagery
We are dedicated to the technological and historical study of paintings and the photographic documentation of works of art and archaeological objects. We use radiography and infrared reflectography to reveal the secrets of each object.
Art history research
Our team of specialised art historians will guide you through an initial assessment free of charge or provide a comprehensive study.
Conservation and restoration
A team of 35 experts is dedicated to the optimal preservation, protection and valorisation of our heritage. Our conservator-restorers each specialise in specific objects, materials or periods. They have extensive experience and a broad international network. Thanks to their interdisciplinary approach, in close collaboration with the laboratories and the Scientific Imagery Unit of the Institute, they can advise, carry out and follow up on even the most complex conservation and restoration projects.
There is one condition the artwork or heritage item must meet in order to be considered: we only focus on high-quality pieces with a critical (art) historical value or an added value for scientific research.
Scientific analyses
Our experts have a wide range of scientific analysis techniques to understand works of art, heritage items and historic buildings. To avoid damaging the often unique and fragile objects, they always prefer non-invasive analysis techniques. Thanks to their high degree of specialisation, mobile equipment, extensive reference databases and great value prices, our laboratories are the ideal partner for your heritage research.
Scientific Imagery
The Institute plays a pioneering role in applying photography and scientific imaging to the research and conservation of our art heritage. Armed with many years of experience and top-quality instruments, we devote ourselves to the technical-artistic study of paintings and the recording and study of works of art: through photographs, radiography or infrared reflectography. Would you like to make use of our services? It would be our pleasure to help you choose the most appropriate study.
Art history research
Our art historians form a team of renowned connoisseurs who focus on (mainly) Belgian art and Belgian artists. They give initial advice on identifying works of art that correspond to their specialisation or refer you to the right expert. In tandem with our photographers, the art historians work on the online heritage inventory BALaT. For advice on 15th-century paintings from our regions, you can visit our Centre for the Study of the Flemish Primitives.
Rates
The fees for establishing the state of conservation, for scientific imaging and for scientific analyses are calculated according to the type of research, and the time the work takes (number of site visits, etc.). The Institute is not subject to VAT.
Contact us for an initial consultation or free quote. We will gladly guide you in choosing the most suitable analysis technique or complete study.