The seventh edition of the Urban Archaeology Days is to take place from 12 until 14 June 2026 as part of the European Archaeology Days.
History buff or just curious? The Urban Archaeology Days are right up your alley!
In this edition’s programme, you will find a wide range of activities that are free of charge: archaeological sites, guided tours, exhibitions, walking tours, museums… So many doors will be opened so that you can delve into Brussels’ past. This edition will focus on the theme “Our Landscape, Our History”, to tie into Urban’s theme for this year, which is “Urban Landscapes”.
Take this unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of Brussels heritage and archaeological research, on your own or with family or friends!
Prolong the festivities with “Back on Senne”
The Senne has long been hidden, but has modelled the Brussels landscape, fed its inhabitants and contributed to the prosperity of the city via its first port. The exhibition “Back on Senne”, brings the river back as a living and moving subject, which reminds us of a lost landscape with high regenerative potential. Urban contributed to this exhibition by lending out several of the most emblematic objects found during the archaeological excavations that took place prior to the construction of the new administrative centre for the City of Brussels, BruCity, which is situated where the Brussels port was in the Middle Ages: a fish trap from the end of the fifteenth century, a wheel blade of a water mill as well as fishhooks from the fourteenth and fifteenth century.
Urban archaeology in Brussels
For over 35 years, Urban’s teams have been responsible for urban archaeology in the Brussels Capital Region.
Their work, carried out in collaboration with key scientific partners, applies to the immovable heritage - i.e. the city’s subsoil and the old parts of buildings. It also generates a wealth of movable heritage, consisting of everyday objects unearthed and samples collected on site. These remains shed light on various elements of history.
Thanks to their work, Urban’s teams are now recognised for their expertise, both in Belgium and internationally.
