Kortrijk named host city for Open Monument Day 2026

Kortrijk has been chosen as the host city for Open Monument Day 2026, Flemish Heritage minister Ben Weyts announced on Monday.

The 38th edition of the event will take place on 13 September and will focus on the theme “In Good Hands”. This highlights how historic buildings are cared for, protected and maintained.

Last year, the event attracted around 400,000 visitors across Flanders, with more than 1,000 activities in 193 towns and cities. In 2026, Kortrijk will take centre stage. The announcement was marked by a large banner on the city’s famous Broel Towers, which will also feature in the campaign.

This year’s theme will show how experts and volunteers help to protect vulnerable monuments through inspections, repairs and emergency planning. Coordinator Griet Langbeen: “The event will celebrate all the people who quietly look after our heritage”.

Visitors in Kortrijk will be able to explore both well-known and hidden sites, including the Broel Towers, Sint-Amands College, the Deelfabriek and the Baggaertshof. There will also be cycling routes, treasure hunts and open days at former flax sites.

Langbeen praised the city’s approach to heritage, saying Kortrijk successfully combines historic buildings with modern development.

Minister Weyts also called Kortrijk a good example. He pointed to the station renovation project and said it shows how old buildings can be reused instead of replaced.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Kortrijk’s Broel Towers © BELGA PHOTO MAAIKE TIJSSENS}