Forest Abbey

The abbey dates back to the twelfth century, and was partly rebuilt in 1764 by the architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez. The only surviving Neo-Classical parts are the entrance porch, the semi-circle of outbuildings and the two residential buildings. From the eighteenth century onwards, the abbey's buildings were gradually demolished and the stone used elsewhere. In 1964, Forest Town Council purchased the ruins of the abbey, which were listed in 1994. Forest Town Council is anxious to restore the site to its former glory and has ambitions to rebuild the abbey as the 'ABY Cultural Centre' that would become home to a range of institutions linked to culture, arts education and youth activities that are currently spread out over the surrounding district. To expand the range of cultural activities and to bring life back to the building at all hours of the day and evening throughout the year, the plan is to add a new performance space, a small auditorium, a toy library and a café-restaurant. Guided tours are given from the abbey gardens, it is not possible to enter the buildings.

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