Sacred Heart Institute

The Message Chapel

Boodschapkapel in Heverlee
Jef Schoors

Naamsesteenweg 355, Heverlee

Practical information
Tourist information

Heverlee’s Message Chapel is a true ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ with modernist forms and monumental stained glass windows. Light and tranquillity are the hallmarks of this inspiring site.

Stained glass in a church shows a vibrant nativity scene with Mary and Jesus, surrounded by angels. The altar in front adds to the serene, sacred atmosphere.
Jef Schoors

The Message Chapel

The architect Joris Helleputte managed the construction of a monumental, neo-Gothic building complex between 1894 and 1896. It served as a boarding, vocational and agricultural college for girls. Today, the complex has a multifunctional purpose, including a nursery, a care home, educational buildings (from kindergarten to higher education), a boarding school, an archive and a farm. It also still accommodates monastic communities.

Stained glass windows, Eugeen Yoors

The Annunciate Sisters of Heverlee commissioned the design of a chapel in 1930. The resulting Message Chapel was a project run by the ‘The Pilgrim’ artist collective. The chapel is a true Gesamtkunstwerk, after the ideals of the Pilgrim Movement. Architect Flor Van Reeth, glazier Eugeen Yoors and interior designer Rie Haan put their heads together and designed a building infused with light. Van Reeth conceived the modernist design language and choice of materials and Eugeen Yoors the remarkable monumental stained glass windows, which are a model of Flemish glaziers' art. Rie Haan’s interior design creates a harmonious overall entity. The distinct design language, sober appearance and optimal incidence of light have a calming effect.
 

Stained glass in a church shows a vibrant nativity scene with Mary and Jesus, surrounded by angels. The altar in front adds to the serene, sacred atmosphere.
Jef Schoors
A historic brick building with a pointed roof stands against a clear blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery and a manicured lawn, evoking a serene atmosphere.
B2Belgium - CC Wikimedia
The image depicts a church interior with wooden pews aligned in rows. Vibrant stained glass windows line the walls, casting colorful light. The atmosphere is serene.
Jef Schoors
Boodschapkapel in Heverlee
Jef Schoors
Boodschapkapel in Heverlee
Jef Schoors
Boodschapkapel in Heverlee
Jef Schoors

Practical information

Address

Naamsesteenweg 355
3001 Heverlee
Belgium
View directions

Opening hours

  •   From June 2024, open every second Sunday of the month from 10.00 to 17.00 hrs.

Accessibility

  •  Is partially accessible.

More information

Good to know

•    Admission: € 5.00 standard rate
•    Access via the general reception of the Sacred Heart Institute.

Any questions?

Tourist information

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