Over 1,100 sites across Flanders open for Open Monument Day

More than 1,100 monuments across Flanders open their doors on Sunday for Open Monument Day. A total of 193 cities and towns are taking part, with Antwerp serving as this year’s host city and offering over 150 activities.

The 2025 edition, themed 'In Stijl' (In Style), highlights architectural styles, surprising designers and iconic facades. Organisers say the event is meant for all ages, with a wide range of free activities.

Of the 834 participating sites, 239 are taking part for the first time. Some 339 are accessible to the public only on this day, including 118 private residences. While a few activities require advance booking, most can be visited freely.

Holy Houses

Antwerp leads the way with 159 events and a special theme, 'Heilige Huisjes (Holy Houses), which spotlights the city's religious heritage. Forty places of worship will open their doors for visitors, including two mosques for the first time.

"We are highlighting our numerous religious heritage in the broad sense. Certainly not only Christian [heritage], but also beautiful synagogues, for example," acting mayor Els Van Doesburg clarified. That includes St. Paul's Church, which is currently being renovated.

The event also goes beyond traditional heritage tours. Visitors can, for instance, ride a steam train, watch demonstrations with an underwater drone or experience historical re-enactments. In Leuven, KU Leuven is organising a cycling tour of the university's most beautiful, important and oldest spots.

“Never before has there been so much to see and experience on Open Monument Day,” said Flemish Heritage minister Ben Weyts. “Above all, do not think you have already seen everything; there are many new sites this year that are only rarely accessible.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | St. Paul's Church in Antwerp. © BELGA PHOTO HERWIG VERGULT}