B at Open Monumentendag – Sunday 13 September
Twelve B-projects, twelve ways to discover heritage in good hands
It’s that time of year again: on Sunday 13 September 2026, Open Monumentendag returns across Flanders. More than 800 locations will open their doors to the public, with In goede handen as this year’s theme – putting the people and practices that keep our heritage alive in the spotlight: from architects to craftspeople and heritage professionals.
For B, it’s a theme that feels particularly close to home. This year, no fewer than twelve projects involving B-architecten and B-juxta can be visited across Flanders – from ongoing restoration sites and historic monuments to contemporary buildings and careful adaptive reuse.
Here’s where to find them.
St Godelieve Abbey – Bruges
This year, we’re putting extra spotlight on the St Godelieve Abbey in Bruges. Not only because it is one of the most remarkable heritage sites in our portfolio, but because Open Monumentendag offers a rare opportunity to see it in the middle of its transformation.
The abbey will exceptionally open its doors throughout the weekend of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration site and a glimpse of what lies ahead. Members of the B-project team will be present throughout the weekend, sharing their expertise and taking part in talks exploring different aspects of the project.
The project is a collaboration between B-architecten and B-juxta. While B-juxta is responsible for the extensive restoration of the historic buildings, B-architecten is designing the new interventions that will help give the site a sustainable future.
The Open Monumentendag programme follows three storylines – past, present and future. Visitors can explore the site at their own pace, discover the history of the abbey and its former inhabitants, see the restoration works up close and meet the people working to shape its next chapter. Talks, demonstrations, installations and encounters with us as the architects, but also historians, restorers, craftspeople and volunteers complete the experience.
No conventional guided tour, then. More of a backstage pass.
In short.
- Open on Saturday 12 September | 14:00–18:00
- Open on Sunday 13 September | 10:00–18:00
- Free, self-guided parcours through the site
- B-team members present throughout the weekend
- Talks and interviews on the past, present and future of the abbey
- Discover the full programme at openmonumentendag.be
More projects to discover
Belfry & Cloth Halls – Ypres
After five and a half years of careful restoration, the Belfry and Cloth Halls of Ypres have finally emerged from behind the scaffolding. B-juxta, together with ARTER, restored the monument’s historic envelope, from façades and stained glass to joinery, slate roofs and the timber spire of the Belfry. The restoration continued the story of the post-war reconstruction rather than rewriting it, preserving as much historic material as possible. On Open Monumentendag, visitors can go behind the scenes – and all the way up to the top of the tower – to discover the monument from some rather unusual angles.
Guided tours of the Cloth Halls | Belfry visits | Registration required for guided tours
Small Beguinage Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Hoyen – Ghent
For almost three decades, B-juxta has been involved in the phased restoration of Ghent’s Small Beguinage, a remarkably authentic UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history stretching back around 750 years. Its buildings continue to serve a residential purpose, with restoration and heritage management working hand in hand to secure the site’s future.
During Open Monumentendag, visitors can wander through this quiet walled world and discover several places that are not usually open to the public.
- The Toontjeshuis is currently under restoration and will welcome 14 young adults with disabilities from autumn 2027. B-juxta is responsible for the restoration of the historic Convent Huyshove, carefully adapting its 17th- to 19th-century layers to a new form of collective living. Visitors can see part of the ongoing works and meet future residents and members of the project team.
- The St Godelieve Chapel is a small Baroque gem hidden within the beguinage. Built as an infirmary chapel in 1638, it later became a popular pilgrimage site. Its richly decorated interior, Rococo woodwork and the medieval crucifix known as the ‘Black God’ make it one of the beguinage’s more unexpected treasures.
- The House of the Grand Mistress (Groothuis) forms the monumental heart of the beguinage. Originally the residence of its elected leader, the 1661 double house was transformed into an imposing Louis XIV-style mansion in the 18th century. Its historic interiors and monumental Baroque staircase offer another glimpse into the layered life of this unique place.
Free access throughout the beguinage | Additional activities at the mentioned locations
Town Hall Roeselare
What happens when a historic town hall needs to become a civic building fit for the future? B-architecten’s renovation and extension of Roeselare Town Hall brings heritage, public life and sustainability together. The project recently received a BREEAM Outstanding certification – the highest level of the international sustainability assessment system – recognising an approach that integrates circularity, energy efficiency, water recovery, biodiversity and user wellbeing from the outset.
Guided tours | Registration required
More info
Hartetroef – Sint-Amandsberg, Ghent
The former Heilig Hart church in Sint-Amandsberg has found a new life as Hartetroef, a lively neighbourhood centre. Working closely with De Smet Vermeulen architects, B-juxta took on the role of restoration architect, carefully renewing the building while opening it up to its surroundings. The former church now accommodates a community restaurant, neighbourhood kitchen, living room and spaces for local activities. During Open Monumentendag, visitors can freely explore the church and discover how heritage can become a place for everyday community life.
Free visit | 10:00–18:00
More info
Community Centre – Stekene
A new building rather than a restoration – but very much part of the story of how places are cared for and given a future. B-architecten designed Stekene’s new community centre as an open, sustainable hub combining a library, theatre, multi-purpose hall and municipal services. During Open Monumentendag, a special exhibition traces the building’s story from the former Huis Tack to the present-day Cultuurhuis, with guided tours offering a look behind the scenes.
Exhibition open to all | Free guided tours, registration required
More info
Kerkstraattrap – Blankenberge
One of Blankenberge’s historic links between town and seafront is currently receiving some careful attention. B-juxta is restoring the Kerkstraattrap – also known as the Leeuwentrap – as part of a wider assignment covering six protected monuments across the city. Open Monumentendag offers a particularly timely look behind the scenes, including a visit to the hidden brick vaults beneath the staircase.
Open 10:00–17:00 | Guided visits throughout the day | No reservation required
More info
Lijsternest – Ingooigem
The former home of Flemish writer Stijn Streuvels, Lijsternest was thoroughly renovated between 2008 and 2014. B-juxta was involved in the project, helping to safeguard this literary and architectural piece of heritage for the future. During Open Monumentendag, guided tours explore both the house and its history – including the story of its renovation and the ongoing care required to keep Streuvels’ home alive.
Free guided tours throughout the day
More info
We hope to welcome you at one – or perhaps several – of these twelve B-projects. After all, heritage is always a little more interesting when you get to see what’s behind the scenes.