The iconic Ghent Altarpiece will not return to public display in St. Bavo’s Cathedral in 2026 as initially announced. Its reinstallation is now projected for spring 2027, according to several Flemish news outlets. This adjusted timeline means that by its return, the entire restoration project will have spanned fifteen years.

The restoration of the altarpiece began in 2012. The final phase of the project, focusing on the seven upper panels, began in May 2023. At the outset of that phase, it was anticipated that it would be completed three years later, allowing the paintings to return from the conservation studio at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent to St. Bavo’s Cathedral in 2026.

The final phase is taking longer than expected due to the discovery of new overpaintings, which have been added at later stages to mask small damages. These extra layers demand additional, meticulous conservation from the restorers of KIK-IRPA. As a result, spring 2027 has now been established as the target date for all panels of the completely restored Ghent Altarpiece to be reunited at St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

To ensure the successful completion of this final phase, the Flemish government is releasing extra funds. This additional support will facilitate the full restoration of the seven upper panels and bring the monumental project to its conclusion.