On 26 and 27 November we are organising the 13th Annual Ards Conference on 'Innovative Research Tools and Methodologies for the Study of Medieval and Renaissance Sculpture' in Leuven.
Conference programme
Click here to download the programme.
In collaboration with the RKD and M Leuven, we have curated an inspiring programme featuring:
> In-depth lectures;
> Time to explore The Collection of M and Scultori Fiamminghi;
> Exclusive guided tours focusing on medieval sculpture at the Museum of Art & History (paid component);
> Behind-the-scenes visits to the conservation and restoration ateliers of KIK-IRPA;
> Coffee and tea breaks throughout the event;
> Lunch on Thursday;
> Conference dinner on Thursday evening (free for chairs/speakers, paid component for other participants);
> Closing drinks on Friday.
Registration
Register here. Registration deadline is 4 November 2026.
Practical information
Thursday 26 November, Leuven
> We are pleased to welcome you to M Leuven. Registration, coffee breaks, and lunch will take place in the Lobby, while lectures will be held in the Forum. Registration opens at 09:30. The first lecture begins at 10:00.
> During the breaks, participants are welcome to visit the museum galleries free of charge. Discover what's on at M Leuven.
> The conference dinner will take place at 19:00 at Voltaire (Jules Vandenbemptlaan 6a). Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport. Voltaire is approximately a 30-minute walk, a 15-minute bike ride (Blue-bikes are available throughout the city), or a 20-minute journey on De Lijn bus 2. Take the bus from Leuven Rector De Somerplein, platform C, next to Saint Peter’s Church on the Grote Markt, in the direction of Heverlee Campus Arenberg. Get off at the Heverlee Station stop and continue on foot for about 400 metres to the restaurant.
Friday 27 November, Brussels
> The programme begins at the Art & History Museum in Brussels. Participants are asked to meet at the museum's main entrance at 9:45, where the group will be divided in two. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport; no transport will be provided by the organisers.
> Please note that lunch is not included on Friday.
> The conference continues in the afternoon at KIK-IRPA. Lectures will begin promptly at 14:00 in the main lecture hall on the ground floor. The closing reception will also take place on the ground floor.
Call for papers
The call for papers is now closed. Click here to download the call for papers.
Organising committee
M Leuven and Ards – the platform for medieval sculpture
Marjan Debaene, Hannah De Moor, Anne Liefsoens
RKD - Netherlands Institute for Art History
Suzanne Laemers
Partners
Art & History Museum
The Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA)
CODARTfocus in Leuven
Before the conference, CODART and ARDS will organise a CODARTfocus event in Mechelen and Leuven on 24 and 25 November. Please note that this event is not part of the ARDS Conference. Registration is also open to ARDS members.