“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 old post office, located at Rijselstraat 70, was built in the 13th century and shows architectural similarities with the famous Cloth Hall of Ypres. The old designation as a Templar stone is incorrect, although this order of knights had a significant presence in Ypres from 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 suffering heavy damage during the First World War, the post office building was carefully restored and rebuilt according to the original plans. Since 1983, the building has been protected as a monument, but it has been empty since 1996 after De Post moved to a new building. In 2009, the building was sold and is currently being renovated to give the building a new function while preserving the authentic elements.