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CenturiesOldCulturalHeritage

A city with centuries-old cultural heritage and a lively, creative atmosphere

Leuven is a city where centuries of heritage naturally blend with a dynamic, creative mindset. Its strong academic tradition, rich cultural legacy and welcoming atmosphere create an inspiring setting that extends well beyond the conference venue.

Our splendid Town Hall

The town hall is Leuven's pride and joy. Moreover, it's one of the world's best-known Gothic town halls. It took three architects and thirty years to build it. Leuven's 'Hall of Fame' features 236 statues, which were only added to the façade after 1850.

The town hall is currently closed for refurbishment and renovation works.

The Great Beguinage

The beguinage dates from the 13th century. It consists of a series of romantic alleys, courtyards, gardens and parks with dozens of houses and convents built from traditional sandstone. The Great Beguinage was listed as UNESCO world heritage in 1998.

‘The Last Supper’ in Saint Peter's Church

'The Last Supper', painted by Dieric Bouts between 1464 and 1468, is an absolute masterpiece.

Dirk Bouts was one of the Flemish Primitives and was also known as ‘the painter of silence’.

University Library and Tower



Climb the tower to get a splendid panoramic view of the city.
Don't miss the wonderful reading room.

Park Abbey

Park Abbey is an exceptionally well preserved 12th-century heritage site on the outskirts of Leuven, surrounded by green space. The site of Abbey is the home to various partner organizations. For example Parcum, the museum and centre of expertise for religious art and culture and the internationally renowned Alamire Foundation.

Botanical Garden

Leuven's botanical garden, established in 1738 by the University of Leuven for its medical students, is the oldest in Belgium.
Botany enthusiasts can explore its diverse plant collections, including a 450 m² greenhouse filled with herbaceous, medicinal, aquatic, and potted plants, as well as tropical and subtropical species.

Arenberg Castle

Arenberg Castle, located in Heverlee near Leuven, is a beautiful example of Flemish Renaissance architecture. Built in the 16th century and once owned by the Arenberg family, it now houses the Faculty of Engineering at KU Leuven. Surrounded by a picturesque park, it's a must-visit for its historical significance and scenic beauty.

Street Art

Leuven boasts a vibrant street art scene, with numerous murals and artworks adorning its streets. Visit Leuven offers guided street art walks that take you through various neighborhoods, showcasing impressive pieces by local and international artists. From colorful murals to intricate designs, Leuven's street art adds a unique and creative touch to the urban landscape. Exploring these artworks is a fantastic way to experience the city's artistic spirit and cultural diversity.

M Leuven

M Leuven is a dynamic museum located in the heart of Leuven. It boasts a diverse collection that spans from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum offers a unique blend of permanent and temporary exhibitions, ensuring there's always something new to explore. M Leuven's architecture is a captivating blend of old and new, masterfully designed by Belgian architect Stéphane Beel.

Discover more See & Do's in Leuven: Visit Leuven

Bibliotheek

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Location

Perfectly accessible
15 min. from the airport

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Education

One of the world’s prime regions for health, high-tech and creativity