Kortrijk Offers Historic Building Stones to Heritage Enthusiasts

The Belgian city of Kortrijk is inviting heritage enthusiasts to become owners of historical building stones, offering a unique opportunity to acquire architectural fragments and ornaments. These pieces, once part of the city's urban landscape, are currently stored in a warehouse and are being made available to ensure they find a second life.

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We want to de-collect a bit.

Anke D'haene, head of the Public Art department at Kortrijk City, explained that the city maintains a special collection of stone fragments known as a 'lapidarium.' While the most valuable and culturally significant items have been moved to the Trezoor Heritage Depot, the remaining pieces are now being offered for sale. "We cannot continue to store these pieces and therefore want to sell them to enthusiasts now," D'haene stated.

To participate, interested individuals must register in advance for one or more lots. The new owners will be selected through a lottery during the upcoming Open Monumentendag (Open Heritage Day). D'haene expressed curiosity about the level of interest, hoping that Kortrijk residents will embrace the chance to own a piece of their city's history, whether for their gardens or homes.

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We cannot continue to store these pieces and therefore want to sell them to enthusiasts now.

Successful bidders who purchase a piece are asked to share a photo of its new location. The revenue generated from this sale will be dedicated to the maintenance of public art within the city. The 33 lots are listed on the city's website, with viewing days scheduled for September 2 and 5. Prices range from 40 to 250 euros.

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I hope that the residents of Kortrijk would like to have a piece of history in their garden or home.