The project
In preparation of the festivities for 800 years of the Beguinage in 2025, Brugge Foundation, together with Gidsen met een Hart (Guides with a Heart), wanted to realise a project that could contribute to the splendour of the Beguinage.
Brugge Foundation and Gidsen met een Hart opted for the restoration of the statue of Saint Elisabeth, patron saint of the Beguinage, that decorates the façade of the church. An agreement was obtained from the owner, the city of Bruges, on the realisation of this project.
The statue of Saint Elizabeth was repeatedly painted over and had lost its original appearance and colour scheme over the years. Lack of maintenance over years resulted in an overall damaged condition. The pedestal is locally affected by infiltration of rain and moisture. The desire to display the restored statue in a refreshed portal led to an extension of the project with the refurbishment of the portal of the church.
On 6 and 7 May 2025, the restored statue was placed back in the statue niche and the finishing touches were made. The festive inauguration took place on June 12, 2025.
The result
The result of this restoration can be called truly beautiful.
After extensive preliminary research, the restorer and the advising experts group decided to go back to the appearance of the statue after the 1925 restoration. The restoration of 1925 was carried out for the celebration of 700 years of the Beguinage, exactly 100 years ago.
The City of Bruges, the sisters and residents of the Beguinage are downright enthusiastic about the realization that gives 'their' Beguinage church a fresh look again.
Before restauration
After restoration
Before restauration
After restauration
Brugge Foundation, and our partners Gidsen met een Hart, are convinced that with this small restoration, the façade of the frequently visited Beguinage church will have more radiance.
With this project we hope to enhance the splendour of our Beguinage during the festivities for 800 years and a long time beyond.
Overall cost of the works
The cost for the statue after complete finishing is 25.960€.
1. The stratigraphic colour research €4,707
2. The actual restoration costs 16,577€
2. the general costs €3,368
This specifically concerns accommodation costs, travel costs, volunteer allowances, rental scaffolding, realization of information boards, all technical accessories necessary for the restoration, ....
3. The painting works of the façade carried out by the social enterprise Odas 1,308€
Fortunately, Brugge Foundation could count on a generous gesture of 10.050€, from Gidsen met een Hart, but the total cost at the expense of Brugge Foundation remains 15.910€.
Information garden and green maintenance Beguinage No. 1
This summer, Beguinage No.1 will host an exhibition on the intangible values of the Beguinage “Protected and secured”. The information garden that was set up last year by Brugge Foundation will provide more general information about the history, typology, nature, values, management objectives, etc.
With the upcoming celebrations for 800 years of Beguinage, Brugge Foundation wishes the garden of Beguinage No. 1 to be well maintained and attractive.
On 13 May, the board of Brugge Foundation approved a maintenance offer for the entire year 2025. Herewith the Bruges Foundation guarantees perfect maintenance of the garden during the entire festivities for 800 years.
Rituals
The sisters, some residents and the priest wanted the restored statue of Saint Elisabeth solemnly blessed. This fits within the Christian rituals associated with the Beguinage and the patron saint. This event took place on June 12th.
Brugge Foundation & Gidsen met een Hart decided to take this event as an opportunity to communicate the completion of this project to the public.
