IRPA (acronym of the French name of this intitute - L'Institut royal du Patrimoine artistique) is a federal scientific institution dedicated to the study, conservation and development of Belgium's cultural heritage. The Flemish name of this institute is Het Koninklijk Instituut voor het Kunstpatrimonium (acronym KIK)
The Institute was created in 1948 and it regroups art historians, chemists, physicists, conservator-restorers and photographers. Its three departments work together to achieve a versatile and complete approach to works of art.
The Documentation department studies Belgian heritage and establishes a photographic inventory. Its' library and photo library are both open to the public.
The Laboratories department analyzes what works of art are made from as well as what useful treatments should be used for their conservation.
The Conservation-Restoration department gives advice and applies treatments, in preventive conservation, remedial conservation and restoration.
For more information see their website: