Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 900th-anniversary exhibition at Vlierbeek Abbey, Leuven, opens October 25–January 4, 2025, featuring 70 objects, including Abbot Thys’s miter and a Lego church model, showcasing Benedictine history and local heritage.
As VRT News reported, a new exhibition opens this Saturday, Oct 25, 2025, to mark the 900th anniversary of Vlierbeek Abbey near Leuven. The anniversary exhibition is set in a warm red design and takes visitors through 5 rooms and the cloister. The displays include historical objects, documents, and interactive presentations.
Officials mentioned that visitors can learn about the daily life of the Benedictines and their influence on the area. The cloister houses 14 active associations, including choirs, scouts, and heritage groups. These groups keep the site active and connected to the community.
What makes Vlierbeek Abbey’s 900th anniversary exhibition special?
The Vlierbeek Abbey exhibition opens this Saturday, October 25, 2025, and will run until January 4th, 2025. It features a collection of 70 objects that tell the story of the abbey from its origins to the present day. Among the highlights is the painting “Reconstruction of a Destroyed Abbey,” showing an idealised version of the abbey.
Visitors can also see Abbot Thys’s miter from the mid-17th century. A Lego model of the church provides a detailed miniature view of the building. Many of the items are on loan from Museum M, the Leuven City Archives, KU Leuven, and local church councils.
The exhibition is open on weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during the holiday period, it will also be open on weekdays. Group tours can be arranged during the week upon request. The display combines historical artefacts, visual exhibits, and interactive elements to present the abbey’s past and its ongoing role in the community.
The abbey’s story began in 1125, when Duke Godfrey “the Bearded” of Leuven granted land to the Benedictine monks of Affligem Abbey. This gift laid the foundation for one of the region’s oldest and most important monastic communities. Over the centuries, Vlierbeek Abbey became a centre of faith, learning, and agriculture. The monks lived by the Benedictine principles of prayer, work, and community service.
The abbey faced challenges, including wars, looting, and fires in the 16th century. Each time, the community rebuilt and recovered. The French Revolution brought an end to monastic life, but the abbey’s parish and residents kept its spirit alive.
