In 2009, heritage studies at the Université libre de Bruxelles joined the Centre de recherche en archéologie as part of the reform of faculty research. The CReA thus became the CReA-Patrimoine.
Seven essential research orientations are developed within the centre:
- Conservation-restoration of archaeological structures and sites
- Conservation-restoration of archaeological mobilier
- Technology and conservation-restoration of heritage and the fine arts
- The study and conservation of academic and university collections
- The digitization of collections, in partnership with the PANORAMA Platform
- Museology
- Study of the Brussels urban heritage
The CReA-Patrimoine collaborates with the Réseau des Musées de l'ULB, the restoration laboratory of the Fédération des Archéologues de Wallonie et de Bruxelles (FAW) and the conservation-restoration of ENSAV-La Cambre. He is also the referent of the ULB authorities in the field of conservation and restoration of university art collections.
The centre responds to public procurement and is a privileged interlocutor of public authorities in these areas of competence.