Is our heritage at risk?
27/01/2026
By Estelle De Bruyn, Head of Sustainability Unit, Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA)
Born in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) sets itself the mission of protecting Belgium’s cultural heritage. As early as 1948, it trained the members of the Civil Protection, drew up lists of priority works to safeguard, and advised on the construction of atomic shelters. This expertise is now more relevant than ever: in 2021, floods damaged more than 250 cultural sites in Belgium, a stark reminder of heritage’s vulnerability to disasters. Today, KIK-IRPA is reviving this knowledge through its Sustainability Unit, combining scientific research with concrete action to help cultural institutions, churches, and private collections prepare for the challenges of the future.
Language of the talk: French
Join us at 4 pm at the stand King Baudouin Foundation
In collaboration with KIK-IRPA
Born in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) sets itself the mission of protecting Belgium’s cultural heritage. As early as 1948, it trained the members of the Civil Protection, drew up lists of priority works to safeguard, and advised on the construction of atomic shelters. This expertise is now more relevant than ever: in 2021, floods damaged more than 250 cultural sites in Belgium, a stark reminder of heritage’s vulnerability to disasters. Today, KIK-IRPA is reviving this knowledge through its Sustainability Unit, combining scientific research with concrete action to help cultural institutions, churches, and private collections prepare for the challenges of the future.
Language of the talk: French
Join us at 4 pm at the stand King Baudouin Foundation
In collaboration with KIK-IRPA
