“Art,
the unmissable missable”
Willem Elias is professor emeritus and former dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the VUB and guest speaker at our opening night which will take place in the old post building in the Rijselstraat (Lille Street) in Ypres.
He has built an extensive career in art philosophy and is known for his in-depth analyses and accessible approach to complex art theory. His lecture “Art, the unmissable missible” promises to be an inspiring exploration of the indispensable role art plays in our society, and how it can serve as a mirror for social developments and personal reflection.
Practical info
Doors open: from 19:00
Start of program: 19:30 – 20:30
End of event: 21:00
Lecture in the historic setting of the old post office building
The Templar Stone, located at 70 Lille Street, was built in the 13th century and has architectural similarities to the famous Cloth Halls of Ypres. Although historians disagree on whether the building ever belonged to the Order of the Knights Templar, it is certain that this knightly order had a significant presence in Ypres beginning in 1131. The building has had various functions over the centuries, including that of a brewery, and was purchased by the Belgian state in 1897 to house the post office.
After heavy damage during World War I, the Templar Stone was carefully restored and rebuilt according to the original plans. The building has been protected as a monument since 1983, but it had been vacant since 1996 after The Post moved to a new building. The building was sold in 2009 and a renovation is currently underway to give the building new function while preserving its authentic elements.