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VVIA Autumn Programme 2026: Exploring Flanders’ Industrial Heritage

This autumn, the Vlaamse Vereniging voor Industriële Archeologie (VVIA) presents a diverse programme dedicated to the study, preservation and experience of industrial heritage. From industrial architecture and former mining sites to steam heritage, historic industrial landscapes and the role of volunteers in heritage preservation, the programme offers a wide range of opportunities to discover the stories and structures that have shaped our industrial past.

12 September — Industrial Architecture | Tour & Taxis, Brussels

The autumn programme begins with a session dedicated to industrial architecture, taking place at the historic Tour & Taxis site in Brussels.

The session will be led by Professor Ine Wouters, engineer-architect and professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The programme offers an opportunity to explore the architectural qualities and historical significance of industrial buildings, as well as the challenges involved in understanding, preserving and transforming this particular type of heritage.

Date: 12 September 2026
Location: Tour & Taxis, Brussels
Speaker: Prof. Ine Wouters, VUB

20 September — Cycling Along the Steam Heritage of West Flanders

VVIA’s fourth family cycling tour will take participants to West Flanders, where this year’s route focuses on the region’s steam heritage.

Starting in Izegem, the approximately 38-kilometre route combines cycling with regular stops and visits related to industrial and steam heritage. Lunch will be provided at De Leiemeers in Kuurne.

Participants who prefer not to cycle can also join the programme by car, with a route description provided.

The cycling tour offers a more informal way of discovering industrial heritage, connecting individual sites and stories within the wider landscape.

Date: 20 September 2026
Starting point: Izegem
Distance: approximately 38 km
Format: cycling tour, with the option to follow by car

29 September – 3 October — Study Trip to the English Midlands

From 29 September to 3 October, VVIA will travel to the English Midlands, a region widely recognised as one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution.

This five-day study trip will explore the exceptionally rich industrial heritage of the Midlands, offering participants the opportunity to visit significant sites and gain a deeper understanding of the landscapes, buildings and infrastructures associated with Britain’s industrial history.

The study trip is organised exclusively for VVIA members and is limited to 16 participants. As interest has already been strong, early registration is recommended.

Dates: 29 September – 3 October 2026
Location: English Midlands, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 days
Participation: exclusively for VVIA members
Maximum number of participants: 16

10 October — The Black Gold | Beringen Mine

The next session in VVIA’s autumn programme takes place at Beringen Mine, one of Flanders’ most important mining heritage sites.

Entitled The Black Gold, the session will be led by Leen Roels, Director and Curator of the Dutch National Mining Museum in Heerlen. The programme will explore the history and heritage of coal mining and the significance of mining landscapes and sites within the broader story of industrialisation.

Holding the session at Beringen Mine provides an opportunity to consider industrial heritage not only as individual buildings or objects, but also as a complex landscape shaped by industry, labour and social history.

Date: 10 October 2026
Location: Beringen Mine
Speaker: Leen Roels, Director and Curator of the Dutch National Mining Museum, Heerlen

13 November — Heritage Runs on People | Herisem

On 13 November, VVIA joins several heritage organisations for a special study day at Herisem, dedicated to the people behind heritage preservation.

Heritage Runs on People is organised in the context of 50 years of heritage work at Herisem and the International Year of the Volunteer. The event brings together several heritage organisations for a day of exchange, reflection and discussion about the role of volunteers and the future of heritage work.

The programme is organised by the Herisem Paper Mill in collaboration with ETWIE, Erfgoedcel Zender, Histories and VVIA.

The detailed programme and registration information will be made available in September.

Date: 13 November 2026
Location: Herisem
Organised by: Herisem Paper Mill, in collaboration with ETWIE, Erfgoedcel Zender, Histories and VVIA

14 November — Caring for Industrial Heritage: A Case Study

The autumn lecture series concludes on 14 November with a session focusing on the practical care and preservation of industrial heritage.

The session will feature Jan Kempeneers, master distiller at Jeneverstokerij Stellingwerf and a member of the VVIA board. Through this case study, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the challenges involved in maintaining industrial heritage and ensuring that historic sites, practices and knowledge remain meaningful and relevant today.

The session provides a fitting conclusion to the autumn programme, highlighting the importance of active stewardship and the people who continue to care for industrial heritage.

Date: 14 November 2026
Location: Jeneverstokerij Stellingwerf
Speaker: Jan Kempeneers, master distiller and VVIA board member

Heritage in Focus: The Groenendijk Water Tower

Alongside its programme of activities, VVIA continues to draw attention to recent developments in industrial heritage. One notable example is the Groenendijk Water Tower, located on the border between Nieuwpoort and Koksijde.

Built in 1969, the imposing water tower remains part of the drinking-water infrastructure operated by Aquaduin. It has recently acquired an additional public function as a viewing point over the surrounding polder landscape.

A new staircase, reaching 42 metres in height, allows visitors to experience the landscape from different perspectives, with resting points along the route. An elevator also makes the viewing point accessible to a wider public.

The project demonstrates how industrial structures can remain connected to their original function while being given a new role within contemporary public life. Rather than treating industrial heritage as something static, the project illustrates how existing structures can be carefully adapted to create new opportunities for public engagement and appreciation.

The water tower is located at the corner of Nieuwpoortsteenweg and Kinderlaan in Koksijde and was designed by Veldhuis Architectuur and Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter.

For full programme details and registration information, visit the VVIA website.