Bruges Beguinage celebrates its 800th anniversary

From June to September 2025, the City of Bruges will showcase the Beguinage in all its splendor. For centuries, the Beguinage has been a community of women, an oasis of peace with its own rhythm, where care and solidarity go hand in hand with entrepreneurship. A place imbued with religion, spirituality, rituals, and music.

800 Years of the Beguinage is a tribute to the strength of a vibrant female community with an unexpectedly rich history. We warmly invite you to discover the soul and significance of this unique place for yourself.

In collaboration with B. Van der Wee Architects, SumProject + SumResearch are currently developing the master plan for the restoration and future vision regarding the use of several buildings on the site.

Sauvegarde as a central theme  

Under the theme "Sauvegarde" - preserving and cherishing what is precious - this summer the City of Bruges celebrates the timeless essence of this historic place. Over the centuries, the Beguinage has been home to a community of women, a place where silence and tranquility set the rhythm of life. Here caring and solidarity found a natural place, and crafts such as textiles flourished in an atmosphere of entrepreneurship. Religion and spirituality were intertwined with daily existence, visible in rituals and music that gave color to life.  

Each part of the program is an ode to the enduring power of the Beguinage and the values it has carried for 800 years: 

• Occupation by a community of (mostly) women 

• Lee place with its own rhythm  

• Caring and solidarity  

• Entrepreneurship and textile craft 

• Religion and spirituality, rituals and music 

Beelden: © Filip Vanden Berghe © Photo News