Starting from 1st August until 29th October, visitors can immerse themselves in a plethora of activities at Rubens Castle in Zemst, Flemish Brabant province, as part of the newly launched
'Stories Unfold' initiative by EventFlanders and Tourism Flanders.
The debut of Stories Unfold will take place at Het Steen in Zemst, also known as the Castle of Elewijt or Rubens Castle, where the illustrious Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens resided and worked during the final years of his life. This historic castle, located north of Brussels, was acquired by Tourism Flanders in 2019 from a private owner, and extensive deliberations have been underway to determine its future use.
Stories Unfold serves as the culmination of this process. From 1st August to 29th October, the castle will open its doors to the public. "We have devised a plan for the future, incorporating ideas from both locals and visitors from far and wide. While most aspects have been decided, we wish for this festival to provide us with further insight into the future utilization of this site," stated project manager Kristof Lataire in an interview with Flemish public broadcaster VRT. "We aim to attract both local and international visitors."
The festival will feature workshops, concerts, a local shop, an arts and crafts center, as well as yoga sessions and falconry demonstrations.
An Exciting Overnight Experience
Moreover, visitors have the unique opportunity to spend a night within the castle's walls, as it offers a suite that can be booked through Airbnb. The Rubens suite provides a delightful overnight stay for two at a cost of 152 euros, inclusive of breakfast.
Flemish Heritage Minister Matthias Diependaele lauded the venture at the launch of Stories Unfold in early July, saying, "Our Flemish estates have much to offer. This exceptional project encourages us to think further about their appreciation and enhancement." The Stories Unfold program will run for three months, after which Tourism Flanders plans to host the event every two years.
A rendezvous with history and culture awaits all those who step into the grandeur of Rubens Castle during the Stories Unfold festival in Flemish Brabant. Photo by Torsade de Pointes, Wikimedia commons.