Winter Garden of Ursulines Reopened

Reveal the Secrets of Art-Nouveau at World Size

Hidden in the green caverns of Flanders, where gnomes whisper and fairies dance in the moonlight, lies a hidden treasure that will make your heart beat faster: the Winter Garden of the Ursulines. This art nouveau oasis, with its enchanting dome and mysterious stained-glass windows, imagines you in a magical world that seems straight out of a Harry Potter story. After a thorough renovation that has revealed the secrets of this place even more, the Winter Garden opens its doors to brave adventurers. And to add to the atmosphere, re-enactors from Studio Belle Epoque were present during the reopening!

“The Ursuline Sisters had the impressive structure built in 1900 as a reception hall. In this way they wanted to attract daughters of the well-to-do bourgeoisie from all over the world. Because of its remarkable history and exceptional architecture, the site has enormous tourist potential“, said Mayor Kristof Sels. Read more below the photos

Step Inside an Age of Miracles

Forget the mundane and be transported to the beginning of the last century. Here, where girls from all over the world once attended school, imagine yourself in a hidden kingdom full of secrets and wonders. The unique architecture, designed by the talented E.J. Koninckx, is a masterpiece of art nouveau, where every detail seems to come to life. Ornate details, rich colors and enchanting stained-glass windows create an atmosphere of magic that enchants you. Majestic stairwells take you to the past where time anno 2024 seems to stand still.

Delegate Kathleen Helsen, co-president of Stichting Kempens Landschap, explains, “Stichting Kempens Landschap took the patrimony into long lease in 2017. Immediately afterwards, we submitted a leverage file to Tourism Flanders with the aim of boosting the tourist experience. In November 2022, the Winter Garden closed for the start of the works. And now the time has finally come: the renovated Winter Garden reopens its doors. An exciting moment we have been working towards for years. I am convinced that the Winter Garden will attract a lot of sightseers. With the new interactive elements, including an impressive tactile model and a beautiful hand-painted globe, the Winter Garden offers an even richer experience. Heritage should live and inspire people. And that is exactly what the Winter Garden excels at.“

A Monument with a Rich History and 15,000 Tiles

The Winter Garden was built in 1900 by the Ursuline Sisters as a reception area for international girls attending their school. It was a showcase for their progressive vision of education and attracted students from all over the world. The unique architecture, designed by architect E.J. Koninckx, is a masterpiece of art nouveau and reflects the grandeur of the time. During the renovation, attention to detail was paid: the 15,000 tiles of the floor were removed by hand, cleaned and put back in exactly the same location. The stability of the structure was addressed and the beautiful murals were restored. The reception area and plumbing were also given a thorough overhaul.

The heritage site in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver promises to be a top attraction for culture lovers. Stichting Kempens Landschap is the driving force behind the works and the development of the new museum experience. Tourism Flanders supports the project with a grant of 1,269,282 euros.

Discover the Secrets of the Past with Re-enactors and Interactive Experience

Thanks to a brand new interactive experience trail with audio guide in three languages (Dutch, French and English), visitors dive deeper into the rich history of the Winter Garden. They learn about the lives of boarding school girls, the Art Nouveau style and the site’s unique architecture. Interactive multimedia reveal hidden stories and make your visit an unforgettable experience. During the reopening, re-enactors from Studio Belle Epoque brought to life the atmosphere of the beginning of the last century. Dressed in authentic attire, they told fascinating stories and answered questions from curious visitors.

An Adventure for Young and Old

Whether you are an avid lover of magic, architecture or history, or just looking for a unique and enchanting excursion, the Winter Garden has something for everyone. The site is perfectly accessible to adventurers of all ages, with regular tours that take you on a magical journey through time.

Be Enchanted by Music and Art

In addition to its breathtaking architecture and captivating experiential trail, the Winter Garden also features a variety of events that will make your heart beat faster. Concerts, performances and workshops are regularly organized in this unique setting. The acoustics in the Winter Garden are phenomenal, making this venue the perfect place for musical experiences that will give you goosebumps.

Kempens Landschap Foundation Transforms Heritage Site into Attractive Tourist Experience

The Winter Garden of the Ursulines is more than a tourist attraction. It is a monument with a rich history, a unique piece of heritage that comes alive with a touch of magic. The thorough renovation has breathed new life into this gem, ensuring that it will be admired for many generations to come.

“The Winter Garden is a magical place where dreams come true. Come in and be enchanted,” the old wind whispers through the trees.

Delegate Jan De Haes, co-chairman of the Kempens Landscape Foundation, explains: “In 2022, we started the construction of a new visitor parking lot and the reconstruction of the historic courtyard garden. We also restored the existing summer gallery and transformed it into the main entrance to the site. The entrance connects seamlessly to the new parking lot and provides a barrier-free entrance for every visitor. We also gave the reception area and sanitary facilities a thorough facelift, while simultaneously repairing the historic tiled floor of the Winter Garden. After years of intensive use, the floor had subsided. All the tiles were removed and cleaned one by one, after which we stabilized the surface. Then the 15,000 tiles had to be put back in exactly the same place. A feat!“

Stichting Kempens Landschap can count on heritage grants of approximately 369,000 euros from the Agency for immovable heritage and a leverage grant of 1,269,282 euros from Tourism Flanders for the project. In addition, the Cultural Infrastructure Fund (FoCi) of the Flemish Government granted an investment subsidy to improve the physical accessibility of the Winter Garden. That grant of over 57,000 euros made, among other things, the new reception area integrally accessible for disabled visitors.

Vzw Wintertuin, as in the past, takes care of the guide operation. President Hilde Verbruggen: “Groups of friends, colleagues, family members, … can get to know the Winter Garden under the guidance of our enthusiastic guides. They will tell hidden stories and point out special details. As a bonus, you will also visit the Kloosterkerk and the Piano Gallery with a guide. Would you like to take a guided tour but don’t come in a group? With our entry-level tours, you can join a guided tour every Sunday afternoon as an individual or family.“

The Ursulines’ Winter Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online through the website or on site at the box office. Admission is €13 for adults and €8 for children. Special rates apply for groups. (Prices subject to change)

Do you dare to unravel the secrets of the Winter Garden?

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