Arts and heritage

Museum Mayer van den Bergh
Flanders is synonymous with heritage. Our famed Flemish Masters’ genius and inimitable craftsmanship helped move art history in a different direction. Since then, many generations of creative people have followed their example, both in the arts and in other areas. We have castles and cathedrals, churches and belfries, tapestries and beguinages, artistic masterpieces and entire historic city centres. All attest to Flanders’ rich cultural heritage.

History is also present at Flanders Fields, which stand as silent but deafening witness to the First World War, bearing a message of universal peace. Flanders’ rich legacy is tangible, something which can be seen and felt.

A chaotic, crowded scene of a mythical battle between angels and demons, filled with vibrant colors and intricate, fantastical creatures in motion.
©Google Art Project

Flemish Masters

Discover the life stories of Flemish Primitives, Flemish Masters and iconic artists up to the interwar period at inspiring heritage sites in Flanders.
Nieuwpoort, Vigor Boucquet, Oordeel van Cambyses_© Dominique provost
Our Lady's Church Nieuwpoort. Vigor Boucquet, Judgment of Cambyses.
©2018 D.Provost,_c__Dominique_provost

Flemish Masters in Situ

Van Eyck. Rubens. The Flemish surrealists and expressionists. In Flanders, old and modern masters are at home. It is here where they lived and worked.
Rustic garden scene with vibrant red poppies swaying amidst rusty metal tools and lush greenery. Overcast sky adds a calm, nostalgic feel.

In Flanders Fields

From 1914 to 1918, Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War.
campagne thumb
© Photo Marc Wallican & AI-generated figure by d-artagnan.be

Castles and gardens outside the city walls

Flanders is a treasure trove of heritage. The cities brim with history and stories, and even in the surrounding countryside, there is much to discover about the

27 WWI memorial sites in Flanders Fields recognised as Unesco World Heritage

Read more
Buttes New British Cemetery Zonnebeke_© Copper Tree Media
The sun shines on a cemetery in Zonnebeke of fallen soldiers from World War I.
Copper Tree Media

Our art cities

great experiences.
Discover our art cities
The Port house - Havenhuis ©Havenbedrijf Antwerpen - Peter Knoop
©Havenbedrijf Antwerpen - Peter Knoop

Antwerp

Antwerp, Stylish to a Fault
Canal scene in Ghent, featuring historic gabled buildings, riverside cafes with red flowers, and moored boats under a clear blue sky.

Ghent

Ghent, Europe’s Best-kept Secret
Bruges reie in the evening_© Tomas Kubes
Scenic view of Bruges at dusk, with historic brick buildings reflecting in a tranquil canal. The Belfry tower is illuminated against the twilight sky.
Tomas_Kubes

Bruges

Bruges, Picture Perfect
University library Leuven

Leuven

Leuven, Mecca of Books and Beer

Explore accessible heritage in Flanders

From Flemish Masters and museums to historic buildings and city walks, discover accessible heritage sites across Flanders. Experience art and history in your own way. Find inspiration for your next cultural day out in Flanders.
 

Click here for accessible heritage tips
Royal museum of Fine Arts Belgium (RMFA)_© Piet De Kersgieter
Museum room with three large paintings; one visitor sits on a bench, two others walk past.
© Piet De Kersgieter,Piet__De_Kersgieter

You may also like these stories