The Sacred Heart Institute Heverlee and the Annunciation Chapel

This campus is now 120 years old. The domain of more than 40 hectares houses seven educational institutions with a total of more than 7000 students and pupils, a nursery, religious communities, a residential and care centre and an agricultural operation. More information can be found in the book 'Sacred Heart Institute: living heritage site, unique chapel'. (link to the location of publications on the website). At the end of the 19th century, the school was located between the properties of the Park Abbey and the Dukes of Arenberg. Duchess Eleanor of Arenberg and her son Engelbert Maria of Arenberg were important donors for the monumental new construction project, designed by architect Joris Helleputte. A large part of the land was initially rented from the dukes and purchased in the 1920s. The neo-Gothic main building on this campus is now protected, as well as the modernist Annunciation Chapel. The Annunciation Chapel is the stunning result of an artistic collaboration. In 1930, the Annuntiaten Sisters of Heverlee commissioned architect Flor van Reeth to design a school building with a chapel. Together with glazier Eugeen Yoors and the young forge artist Rie Haan, he turned it into a masterpiece. Eugeen Yoors designed 450m² of stained-glass windows in exceptional colour and expressive power. Rie Haan designed the entire interior. These three Belgian artists of the Pilgrim Movement have realised a total project of international level. The building underwent a thorough restoration between 2005 and 2010 and was closed to the public all that time. Now you can visit this breathtakingly beautiful space again by appointment (016 39 93 20 link to mail). Take the time to visit this temple of light and enjoy an aesthetic and spiritual experience. More information in the booklet The Chapel of the Annunciation: classy heritage in the heart of the site (link).

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