In 1526, city governor Philips de Lalaing laid the first stone of the late Gothic town hall on Oudenaarde’s central market square. Five centuries later, the building remains a focal point of community life, hosting weddings, city council meetings and the MOU city museum. To mark the anniversary, the local authorities have prepared an extensive programme including a photo exhibition, a themed publication and an expansion of the historic walking route.

(Staff: Belgium / Culture & History)

The Flemish city of Oudenaarde is preparing to celebrate a major historical milestone: 500 years since construction began on its iconic town hall. On 13 September 1526, city governor Philips de Lalaing laid the first stone of what would become one of Belgium’s finest examples of late Gothic architecture. Five centuries later, the building on the central market square is not only a historic monument, but also remains at the heart of the community’s administrative and cultural life.

A Five-Century History

Oudenaarde Town Hall was built on the site of the former wooden aldermen’s house, adjoining the 14th-century cloth hall (Lakenhalle). Over the centuries, it has symbolised the city’s power and prosperity, hosted important events and safeguarded valuable archives and collections. Today, the building houses local administration as well as the MOU city museum, home to Oudenaarde’s renowned tapestry collection and numerous historical artefacts.

How Will the Anniversary Be Celebrated?

To mark the anniversary, the local authorities, in cooperation with the city’s cultural services, have prepared several events for the coming months:

1. Photo exhibition in collaboration with the local community: From 31 October to 15 November, the chapel of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwhospitaal in Oudenaarde will host a photography exhibition. Historical images from the city archive, made on glass plates, will be displayed alongside contemporary photographs of the town hall taken by photography students from CVO Groeipunt and members of the Society for History and Antiquities of Oudenaarde.
2. Themed publication: The Society for History and Antiquities will publish a special issue of G|OUD, devoted entirely to the history of the town hall and its many facets over the centuries. The magazine will be officially presented on 10 September in the Volkszaal of the town hall, followed by the first free public lecture.
3. A permanent historic walking route: To leave a lasting mark on the urban landscape, the historic city walk will be permanently marked this autumn with bronze studs embedded in the pavement. The new signs will also feature an image of the town hall, giving visitors a direct link to the city’s history.

Conclusion

The 500th anniversary of the laying of the first stone of Oudenaarde Town Hall is more than a commemoration. It celebrates continuity, identity and the way a building can become a living symbol of a community. Through the anniversary programme, the city brings the past and present together, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to rediscover this architectural and historical gem.