The Winter Garden
1841
Eight Ursuline sisters leave their convent in Tildonk and settle in Bosstraat in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver. Their objective? To establish a new convent with a school for girls. Soon after, they also open a paying boarding school on the property and expand the existing buildings.
1900
The reputation of the Ursuline Institute spreads far beyond the national borders. The sisters decide to have an impressive reception room built in art-nouveau style: the Winter Garden. A bold choice, but the beautiful building with its colourful stained-glass dome does what it is supposed to do: attract the daughters of wealthy bourgeois from around the world.
1921
The fragile Winter Garden largely survives World War I. By rotating the structure and placing it between two wings, the sisters seek to protect the fragile structure. In 1921 the relocated winter garden is once more available to use.
1987
The Winter Garden is listed as a monument because of its exceptional historic, artistic and architectural value. From 1997 some restoration work is carried out, including of the inner and outer dome.
2000
Since the turn of the century, the art-nouveau site has been open to the public. Volunteers of the non-profit organization vzw Wintertuin Ursulinen organize guided tours for groups. As a result, interest in this hidden gem steadily increases.
2022-2024
The Winter Garden closes at the end of 2022 for restoration and renovation works. In 2024 the magnificent building reopens its doors. Individual visitors can now also discover the site using a brand-new experience trail with audio guide.
Art nouveau
The enchanting Winter Garden dates from 1900 and was built in art-nouveau style. The dome’s multicoloured stained-glass window brings to life the themes of morning, noon and evening, a favourite motif in this art movement. You will also discover numerous floral and animal motifs woven into the glasswork. The Winter Garden of the Ursulines is an exceptional early suburban example of this particular style. In short, a magnificent example of world-class art nouveau!
Plan your visit
Planning a visit to the Winter Garden? Book and pay for your ticket in advance online.
Who is behind the Winter Garden?
The Winter Garden of the Ursuline Sisters is a collaboration between Stichting Kempens Landschap and the non-profit organisation vzw Wintertuin. Together, they are writing the exceptional story of this unique heritage site.
