Antwerp's Open Monument Day 2026 to Spotlight Volunteers and Hidden Heritage

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Antwerp will host the 38th edition of Open Monument Day, opening the doors to its most distinctive historic buildings. This year's theme, "In Good Hands," shifts the focus from architecture to the people who sustain the city's heritage: volunteers, neighborhood groups, and associations that maintain, restore, and safeguard historic sites. The event coincides with Belgium's 2026 Year of the Volunteer, offering an opportunity to recognize the often unseen work behind heritage preservation. Visitors can explore monuments across greater Antwerp, including familiar landmarks in the historic center and lesser-known buildings and industrial heritage sites in surrounding districts. The initiative highlights the collaborative effort required to keep heritage alive, emphasizing the human element in preservation.