Belgium

Summary:

The Masonic lodge La Flandre in Bruges opened its building to the public for the first time in over a century during Open Monument Day. Founded in 1881 and later moved to a Beenhouwersstraat building remodeled into an Egyptian-style temple with columns, scarabs and Masonic symbols, the lodge usually kept strict discretion. After a vandalism incident earlier this year—a stone thrown through a window—the lodge decided to open to counter persistent rumors and misconceptions. Visitors, who quickly filled available slots, were told the lodge is a place for discussion and reflection rather than plots for world domination or bloody rituals. Members explained that the Egyptian motifs symbolize life, rebirth and growth, while traditional Masonic symbols like the compass, square, sun and moon represent self-improvement. Several attendees described the visit as surprising and pleasant, despite longstanding myths about the site.