Eight new works of art in 2025
Leuven's university is celebrating its 600th anniversary this year. To mark that achievement, the university decided to go all out for art. Eight national and international artists turned their attention to the most important scientific issues of our time. How colonial is our knowledge? Is medicine truly for all, or just for a select few? With the help of more than 70 scientists at KU Leuven, they each came up with a new work of art — and these works have now started popping up around the city's streets.
Tip: don't miss the hidden art in the wells of the Great Beguinage, and be sure to lose yourself in the Wandering Garden in Arenberg Park.
Street art everywhere
Don't fancy a run-of-the-mill city trip? A street art trail is a great way to explore Leuven. In fact, street art is everywhere the city: no fewer than 275 works of art adorn schools and old factories, tunnels and gates, a basketball court here, a skate park there, and even a fire station. The smartest explorers head out with the free Street Art Cities app in their pocket. Mega handy, as the app keeps track of which artworks have since vanished, and which new ones have suddenly popped up.
Tip: be sure to check out the works of Bisser, the street artist who has perhaps left the most striking marks on Leuven's streetscape in recent years.
24/7 culture
A night of culture can take a hundred different turns in Leuven. A cool performance at Het Depot, contemporary dance at STUK, the finest selection of films at Cinema ZED, refreshing theatre at 30CC or a pulsating club night at Stelplaats.
Art connoisseurs and newbies also simply cannot overlook M Leuven during a city break. The exhibitions there combine the past and the present: works by old masters sit side by side with those of contemporary artists. And art meets architecture at M, as just seeing the building by top Belgian architect Stéphane Beel alone is well worth your time. While you're there, make sure to take in the amazing view from the rooftop terrace.
Tip: this autumn, be sure not to miss the solo exhibition by Alicja Kwade, known for her giant installation on the roof of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
At least 24 hours in Leuven
There's too much to explore in one day! Smart travellers spend at least one night (or maybe more) in one of Leuven's charming B&Bs or stylish hotels.
