Park Abbey shines once more after fifteen years of restoration

Park Abbey lies like a historic oasis on the outskirts of the town, set in a green landscape with orchards, vegetable gardens, water features and four historic fish ponds. A tranquil gateway to the Brabantse Wouden National Park. “The Norbertines always kept their gates open. They did not live in isolation from society. With the restoration, we have translated that idea into the 21st century. We call it tradition in renewal, and renewal in tradition,” says Stefan Van Lani.

Interpreting the site

“The abbey has always been a place where religion, agriculture, the economy, culture and community came together. Whilst developing the masterplan and the restoration, we set out to reinterpret the site. We wanted to understand how everything here had been interwoven for centuries. That is why today you will once again find an organic farm, an abbey shop, a brasserie in the restored watermill, a brewery, Museum PARCUM, social enterprises, volunteers, students and the Norbertines themselves. All those pieces of the jigsaw have fallen into place once more. The site is alive.”

The spirit of the place

Stroll amongst the monastery buildings and through the green garden rooms, and you’ll sense that there’s something special about this place. “Park Abbey has something that’s hard to describe. The genius loci, the spirit of the place,” says Stefan. “There’s no need to rush here. Take your time. Stroll past the ponds or simply sit down on a bench for a while. The abbey really asks for just one thing: slow down.”

Then step inside the monastery buildings. Centuries-old art treasures await you there. The colourful stained-glass windows by Jan De Caumont, dating from 1635, add colour to the cloisters, whilst the impressive stucco ceilings by master plasterer Jan Christiaen Hansche seem almost to come to life above your head. The library and the refectory are among the finest historic interiors in Flanders.

“Even during the restoration, the abbey continued to reveal its secrets,” says Van Lani. “We discovered hidden murals, traces of medieval construction, a mosaic floor and even a medieval underfloor heating system beneath a seventeenth-century floor.”

Interwoven with the abbey

On 24 October, the exhibition ‘Interwoven Landscapes: Art at Park Abbey’ opens at Museum PARCUM. More than 25 national and international contemporary artists engaged with the abbey and drew inspiration from its history, architecture and landscape.

“We didn’t want art that just happened to end up in an abbey. The artists have really got to know this place. Some are bringing existing works, whilst others have created new installations specifically for this exhibition. They all take their cue from three Norbertine principles – Actio, Localitas and Contemplatio – and translate these into contemporary art through film, sculpture, installations, sound and performances.”

“We already have plenty of ancient art here, and we’re incredibly proud of it. With this exhibition, we’re adding a new chapter to it. In this way, we’re not only celebrating the completion of the restoration, but also showing that Park Abbey is not a place that stands still. It continues to evolve.”

www.abdijvanpark.be