Open Monument Day 2026: Program Online with Focus on People Behind Heritage
Flanders’ largest one-day cultural event is gearing up for its 38th edition. The full program for Open Monument Day (Open Monumentendag) 2026 is now available online, with this year’s edition placing a special emphasis on the people who dedicate themselves to preserving Belgium’s heritage.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 13, the event will feature 1,180 free activities across 889 locations in 205 cities and municipalities, according to VRT NWS. More than 10,000 organizers and volunteers are expected to welcome visitors, making this the largest edition in 30 years. VRT NWS reports that the event regularly attracts more than 400,000 visitors.
‘In Good Hands’: A Tribute to Heritage Stewards
This year’s theme, ‘In goede handen’ (In good hands), shifts the spotlight from the monuments themselves to the people who care for them. The theme celebrates the owners, architects, craftspeople, and thousands of volunteers who ensure that heritage sites remain alive and accessible, as detailed on the dedicated theme page.
“The theme is a tribute to the passion, love and dedication of the thousands of local organizers and volunteers for our heritage,” said Griet Langbeen, coordinator of Open Monumentendag. “They outdo themselves again in the number of interesting, fun and exclusive activities they offer visitors. They are without a doubt the real stars on September 13.”
The theme aligns with the European Heritage Days’ 2026 motto, “Heritage at risk: revive, resist, reimagine,” and highlights prevention, maintenance, sustainable restoration techniques, and innovative repurposing projects.
Kortrijk Takes Center Stage as Host City
The West Flemish city of Kortrijk serves as this year’s host city, offering more than 70 activities across 50 locations. Visitors can explore the Augustinessenklooster, recently vacated by its last sisters, or go behind the scenes at the erfgoeddepot Trezoor. The city, known for its iconic Broeltorens and its role in the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, was announced as host city in February, as VRT NWS reported.
“We chose Kortrijk because they manage to take good care of their heritage here,” said Flemish Minister of Heritage Ben Weyts. “The Broeltorens are proof of that.” Kortrijk alderman Wout Maddens added: “Old and new do not fight each other here, but strengthen each other.”
The city’s heritage story includes a notable recent victory: the Kortrijk train station, once slated for demolition, was protected as heritage in December 2025.
Restoration in Action and Heritage with a New Purpose
Traditional favorites like construction site visits and freshly completed restorations feature prominently. In Lier, visitors can admire hidden ceiling paintings recently discovered in the Sint-Gummaruskerk — with helmet and sturdy shoes required. In Stabroek, the roof restoration of Kasteel Ravenhof can be observed from a ‘SkyWatch’ box, while in Beerse, the restoration of the ‘Napoleon,’ a nearly century-old motor yacht, is on display.
Several projects showcase heritage finding new purposes. In Mechelen, the former neo-Romanesque Heilig-Hartkerk has been transformed into mARTa, a new cultural venue for amateur and local art. In Beringen, the former coal washing plant is on its way to becoming ‘Be Nature,’ complete with a deathride from 38 meters high. And in Vilvoorde, a Victor Horta-designed gymnastics hall now serves as a dance hall for the Stedelijke Academie.
Maintenance and Prevention: The Unsung Heroes
The theme also shines a light on preventive care. Monumentenwacht, the Flemish organization dedicated to heritage maintenance, will demonstrate its work at various locations. Its motto, “prevention is better than cure,” reflects a philosophy of regular inspections and advice reports, as explained by Ann Derieuw, one of the event’s five ambassadors and a Monumentenwacht interior specialist, on her ambassador page. In Ronse, visitors can join a collective cleaning action at the old municipal cemetery.
The five ambassadors — ranging from a volunteer welcoming visitors at museum Kortrijk 1302 to a miller of a recently restored windmill — represent the diverse faces of heritage stewardship, as highlighted on the ambassadors page.
A Day for Everyone
All activities are free of charge, though some require advance reservation. The program includes guided tours, walks, bike rides, and workshops for all ages. Regional collaborations add further depth: ten municipalities in the Lage Kempen have joined forces under the slogan ‘Fingerprints in the Lage Kempen,’ featuring stamp cards, contests, and even a temporary escape room, as outlined by Regionaal Landschap Lage Kempen. In Antwerp, the Bourlaschouwburg opens its doors with guided tours, including one conducted in Flemish Sign Language, per Toneelhuis.
Open Monumentendag is coordinated by heritage organization Herita and is part of the European Heritage Days, celebrated in 50 countries across Europe, as noted by Monumentenwacht.
What to Watch For
With the program now online, visitors can begin planning their day and reserving spots for the most sought-after locations. As the largest one-day cultural event in Flanders, Open Monumentendag 2026 promises to showcase not just the region’s architectural treasures, but the dedicated people who keep them standing — and thriving — for generations to come.