Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver is accessible by bicycle (around 35mins), by bus (from SNCB station Mechelen, take the bus stop opposite the station on platform 11 bus 510 (Mechelen Westerlo) or 511 (Mechelen-Herentals) and get off at the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver church and walk back to the entrance to the Winter Garden (first door from the village center) and also by car.  Located just outside of Mechelen, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver has a unique gem – a Catholic School that was built in 1900 and still is in use today.

The Ursuline Institute is a non profit organisation which opens the doors for tours and events throughout March to October on Sunday’s where doors open at 14:15.  The entrance fee is 10.00 euro and the funds are channeled back into restoration projects throughout the whole site.  When you are looking for art and interior design examples then this is the place to visit whether it’s Art Nouveau, Empire, Neoclassic and Art Deco these are detailed throughout perfectly.  If you are looking for a unique film set or a wow factor photo shoot set this is the place to come too.  It’s diversity in Architecture and unique details throughout provides a truly memorable visit – and great for a budding Photographer.

Towards the end of the 19th century Belgium gained world fame for education, science,  technical work and artistic skills.  Education exerted a great deal of attraction for females and this led to the Ursuline Institute being born.  Young girls of the bourgeoisie – affluent and cosmopolitan came from abroad, mainly the old Prussia and Southern Europe.  For those who were inquisitive or pensionnat de deomoiselles this was the start of a new adventure for them.  The ideal location – rural, well-kept buildings, 10 hectares of green space and excellent accessibility.  A modern education institute – this was (and still is) a place to be.  Added to the fact that the School paid great attention to comfort, decoration, light, spatial space and organised proved to be an excellent choice to send a daughter to study.  With this formula, student numbers grew and what a perfect formula to do so!

 

The Ursuline Institute was funded by the Catholic Sisters in 1841.  The first Ursuline sisters came from Tildonk to Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver  (Our Lady-Waver).  With the vision of excellent education the Sisters saw the school grow from small numbers to larger numbers of Students and also became a place for Teaching Studies.  Not only did this put the School on the map for it’s educational achievements, the style of the School’s buildings were also an attraction.  Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver soon gained a nickname of ‘Torekenswaver’.

The Tour took us on a wide selection of rooms that each had a unique story and each had a distinct purpose for use within the School.  The Winter Gardens, St Ursula Hall, Empire Corridor,  Alpine Room, The Abbey (which was built from sandstone) and the Piano Room.  These are just a small snippet of the some of the rooms you will visit during the tour.  It takes around two hours in total and there is considerable walking up and down stairs (so is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly).  Most of the rooms are still used today by the Pupils and Staff at the School.  Nowadays it is a functioning co-ed school predominately with pupils from the local area.  Our tour guide was an ex pupil and an ex-Teacher of the school.  It is not a boarding school anymore, though part of the building still is a home to Sisters who used to teach at the School.

Winter Garden and general areas

Alas the Designer for this beautiful room of Art Nouveau is unknown.  Standing inside, the dome can be up to a warm 28 degrees, even when it is cold outside.  It is split into morning, day and night scenes.  The furniture, floors, walls and side galleries provide a resplendent area to just sit and enjoy. Tables and chairs are still in use from when the School was run by the Sisters.  This is the starting point and also end point of the tour.  The gateway to the other unique aspects.

 

 

Throughout the whole the tour, there is a feeling of spaciousness – the corridors are carefully tiled, airy and also wide.  Light streams through the windows perfectly which overlook school courtyard and manicured grounds.  Yet there is no doubt the costs involved to build the school were indeed extortionate.  With this in mind minute details were not spared and quality of materials were not overlooked.   In some ways there is an over abundance of grandeur perfectly balanced with a feeling of peacefulness and tranquility.  With varying styles of architecture located in multiple areas this School is indeed not just a school – it is a work of Art, Architecture, a Monument that is unique to Flanders, to Belgium and also Europe.

St. Ursula Hall

This beautiful room is known as St Ursula Hall.  The wall is decorated with painted scenes on tapestry canvas from the life of St. Ursula – the shrine of Ursula Hans Memling.  This is a technique which was rediscovered in France sometime during 1861 and is one of the very few preserved examples in Belgium.  Decorations are Neo Gothic and are incorporated within the rich Neo Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Empire and “Beaux-Arts” craft and workmanship is incorporated incredibly in perfect unity.

Empire Corridor

The Empire corridor, named after the characteristic decoration on the ceiling and etched glass, is the central walkway between the conservatory and the grand staircase.  The natural light flows through the double doors is spectacular and is a lovely cool area during summer.  It is also highly important for connecting other aspects of the building.  This area is often used for receptions and other events.

Alpine Room

The Alpine Room is derived from the series of fourteen Swiss landscapes which are depicted on the walls.  This room does have a cool feeling to it and was originally used as a meeting place and a room for where small concerts were held.  Nowadays this room can be used to host private functions.

The Abbey

The Abbey is built from Neo Gothic Sandstone and is very not over powering in the style.  Spot the Sister who is looking downwards.  It is said that it is depicting a Sister who fell in love with the Architect who designed the Tower.  This Architect was the same who designed the Clock Tower in Lier.  Hence the Sister’s face is downcast and faces the direction of Lier.   Nowadays the Abbey is not used regularly, for festive celebrations and end of year masses.  Restoration work is presently being undertaken (April 2016).

Piano Study rooms

Alas these are not used anymore.  Each of the 35 rooms have their own piano, stool, and cross in front of the piano all waiting for the student to begin her practice on the piano. Each room is named after a famous Musician, painted above the room numbers.

Future for the Ursuline Institute

As a result of ongoing restoration work, the whole complex is a fabulous example of reconstruction Architecture.  It is being well maintained and preserved for long term use both as a school and a place to visit.

The above are just a few rooms which you will have the opportunity to explore and visit.

Visiting Times

Since 1995, UW is a non-profit site for heritage and is working with various partners to help protect the heritage of the Ursuline Institute.  The school is open during Mary 27th – October 30th 2016, except for Heritage Day on September 11.

Every Sunday at 14:30 a regular tour of two hours in Dutch and in French or English is available.  Doors open at 14:15.   Outside this period there is on every third Sunday of the month at 14:30 a regular tour of two hours in Dutch and in French or English.

Fees are € 10 p/p and as the UW is a non-profit, the entrance fee is used to continue the care and restoration of the buildings.  It is possible to turn up individually or a larger group of more than 10 it is recommended to book a tour.  A guide will always accompany you throughout your visit.

Location