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Huyze Verstraete, an initiative of the Désiré Collen Foundation was officially inaugurated on 20 September 2024, to continue the hospitality academics and researchers used to encounter at the home of the Verstraete family.

Part of Leuven's heritage

The grand late classicist townhouse dates from around 1800 and is located in the Minderbroedersstraat, where once Franciscan Friars (Minderbroeders) had their convent and chapel. Opposite Huyze Verstraete lies the area where from the 16^th till the 20^th century the town’s health care facilities were centered with convents, consecutive hospitals, a school for nurses and the 18^th century anatomical theatre. Just a few paces to the east lies the botanical garden, the origin of which goes back to the times when medicinal plants served as the apothecary for the hospitals.

A bright future

The whole area is up for rebuilding, while iconic structures such as the old operating theatre or 12^th century watchtower are being restored. The future Vesalius museum to be built opposite Huyze Verstraete will stress the importance Leuven university has had for many breakthroughs in medical research, with Andreas Vesalius as one of its most emblematic scientists. Huyze Verstraete will nurture the tradition of scientific interactions inspired by the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Marc baron Verstraete.