The restoration of The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers (more commonly known as the Ghent Altarpiece) started at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) in October 2012. The restoration is executed by the Royal Institute for Art Patrimony (KIK) in the very heart of the museum. Visitors can follow the process behind glass, take part in guided tours or interact with the restorers during their monthly talks.
Which panels were at the museum?
The first stage of the restoration was completed in October 2016, when the finished outer panels returned to St-Bavo’s Cathedral. At the same time the second phase of the restoration began: that of the 5 lower panels of the opened altarpiece, including the central panel featuring 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'.
Scientific Research
Despite the public nature of the restoration, the visitors can witness the restoration live behind glass in the museum, the restorers are not permanently present in the workplace. Besides the restoration itself, they also execute scientific research beside the scenes. The results of this research will be published afterwards. During the absence of the restorers, the panels will be exhibited visibly for the visitors.