Open Monument Day 2026 at De Zalm

On Sunday, September 13, the Hannah Arendt Instituut welcomes you to De Zalm in Mechelen for Open Monumentendag 2026. Under the theme ‘Heritage in good hands’, we reflect on what we cherish and pass on to future generations. That applies not only to historical buildings and traditions, but also to other valuable heritage: our democracy. Discover the rich history of De Zalm during a tour and immerse yourself in the stories of this unique 16th-century heritage. Enjoy a drink, atmospheric live music, and a cozy afternoon full of meetings. Up for more? Then join one of the conversations that we organize together with our volunteers and Praatstraat. Meet new people, exchange ideas, and discover each other's world. What does democracy mean to you? And what experiences and convictions do others bring? Open Monumentendag is freely accessible, so feel free to walk in! __ This event is part of our Week of Democracy. Curious for more? Discover the full program!