SAVE THE DATE | FRH Biennial Conference 2026

SAVE THE DATE | FRH Biennial Conference 2026

The FRH Biennial Conference 2026 will take place on 22–23 October in Leuven, Belgium. Known for its vibrant academic tradition, Leuven is actively exploring solutions not only to preserve its churches, monasteries, chapels, and collections, but to keep them meaningful and alive. This scenario will offer an inspiring backdrop for conversations among heritage professionals, policymakers, and heritage enthusiasts from across Europe.

The programme conference will revolve around two sub-themes:

  1. From community-based to holistic: Different approaches to future-proofing religious heritage. Religious heritage sites are not merely architectural monuments; they are part of broader cultural, social, ecological and economic ecosystems. Their management therefore requires an integrated understanding of these multiple layers and interconnections. This sub-theme will explore different approaches for a more sustainable, resilient, and future-oriented stewardship of historic places of worship across Europe. Particular attention will be given to how emerging participatory models and community-based initiatives are redefining how heritage is managed, experienced, and valued across regions.
  2. Good Practices Across Europe: Policies and instruments. The effective management, reuse and revitalisation of religious heritage depends on supportive policy frameworks and practical tools. This sub-theme will highlight innovative policies, tools, and frameworks that support the reuse and revalorisation of religious heritage sites at regional, national, and European levels. Presentations and following discussions will focus on highlighting goods practices and current gaps.

This event will be organised in partnership with PARCUM, a Flemish Government recognised museum and centre of expertise for religious art and culture, and the Flanders Heritage Agency, which protects immovable heritage, supports its conservation and carries out policy-oriented research in Flanders.

More information about the full programme and speakers will be announced soon. Stay tuned!