On 14 September 2025, we will celebrate Belgium's rich heritage with the annual edition of Heritage Day. Under the theme “In Style!”, this year's focus will be on the architectural heritage that characterizes Belgian cities and municipalities. The Alamire Foundation will also open the doors of the House of Polyphony, housed in the restored Mariagate on the site of the Park Abbey. During a guided tour, visitors will learn more about the architectural heritage value of the gatehouse and its repurposing as a renowned research center for musical heritage from the Low Countries. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the Alamire Foundation's collection of historical instruments.

Before taking part in one of the two guided tours at 14:00 or 15:00, you can attend a lecture by staff member Stratton Bull at 13:00 in the historic refectory of the Abbey. He will talk about the tradition of plainchant and how it was transformed into polyphony — a practice that may also have been at use in the abbey church.

You can register for one of the guided tours via the website of the city of Leuven. You can find more information on the lecture here.