Restoration of Ghent Altarpiece takes longer: return to cathedral delayed until 2027
The Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers will not return to St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent in 2026, as previously announced, but in the spring of 2027. This was confirmed on Thursday during a press conference at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, where work is under way to restore the 15th-century painting to its former glory.
The first phase of the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, began in 2012. In May 2023, the final phase began with the repair of the seven upper panels.
These show Adam, the singing angels, Mary, the Godhead, John the Baptist, the music-making angels and Eve. At the start of this final phase, it was assumed that it would be completed three years later and that the painting could return to St Bavo's Cathedral in 2026.
But visitors to the cathedral won’t be able to admire the masterpiece in its full splendour until the spring of 2027, as the restoration is taking longer than expected. The delay is due to overpainting that was discovered during the work.
“In the mid-16th century, the Ghent Altarpiece was extensively overpainted to cover up small damaged spots,” explained Hélène Dubois, head of the restoration team. “Carrying out additional research and removing the overpainting has naturally caused delays.”
During a visit on Thursday to the restoration workshop at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, Flemish minister of Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts and Culture minister Caroline Gennez announced an additional investment of 319,000 euros to complete the restoration. The total restoration costs amount to 5 million euros.
#FlandersNewsService | Restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE / Visit by Flemish ministers Ben Weyts and Caroline Gennez to the restoration workshop of the Ghent Altarpiece © BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS
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