Practical
Sunday, 14 September, 2025
- 10:00 until 15:00
Gratis
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Centre for Academic and Secular Archives (CAVA) invite you to a guided visit of the iconic Braem Building during the Flanders Heritage Days.
âThe Cigarâ, âthe Caprice des Dieuxâ or âBuilding Mâ: over the past half-century, the iconic rectorate building of the VUB has acquired a whole series of (nick)names. Discover how modernist architect Renaat Braem came up with the striking elliptical shape, step under the sculptural canopy into the colourful entrance hall, climb the winding (again elliptical) staircase, follow the vivid wall paintings â applied by Braem himself â and ascend all the way to âWisdomâ (an owl!) on the fifth floor. Since the restoration, you can now also enjoy panoramic views of the campus from the rooftop terrace.
Several tours start between 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. Each guided tour lasts about an hour and a half.
These tours are part of the 37th edition of the Flanders Heritage Days. On Sunday 14 September 2025, more than 800 monuments in Flanders will open their doors for the 37th edition of Open Monument Day. The focus is on architectural heritage. Under the theme âIn Style!â, you can discover the many building styles that shape our cities and towns. Follow in the footsteps of both well-known and lesser-known architects, contractors, and craftsmen, and marvel at the distinctive architecture of churches, military heritage sites, and parks and gardens.
Why visit the Braem Building?
This guided tour tells the story of the Rectorate building as it was created fifty years ago, as part of the new university campus for a then brand-new university. We highlight notable features and details, and through the building explore the eventful (construction) history of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Now that the Rectorate, a protected monument since 2007, has been carefully restored under the guidance of the architectural firm Origin, Braemâs original design is once again clearly visible, and the wall paintings shine in all their colourful splendour.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
