Turnhout welcomes VITOpolis, the traveling sustainability exhibition by VITO

In 2024, VITO decided to create an interactive exhibition on sustainability that will travel across Flanders over the coming years, stopping in each location for two months. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it is the key to a healthy future on this planet. At VITOpolis, you will discover how even small steps can make a big difference. Through interactive experiences, you become aware of the impact of your choices and see how innovative technologies contribute to a sustainable future.

The free exhibition appeals to both young and old, offering engaging modules for every visitor. Adults gain new insights into sustainable living, while schools and youth groups can visit the expo and explore the theme in greater depth using the available teaching materials, which align with the secondary school curriculum. Schools also have the option to combine their visit to VITOpolis with the interactive city game ResourCity.

To mark the arrival of VITOpolis, we are also launching ResourCity in Turnhout. Every city or region is, often without us realising it, a source of chemical elements. From carbon and oxygen to tin and even gold – you can find them all, including in Turnhout. With VITO’s ResourCity app, you can use your smartphone to search for these elements, just like in Pokémon Go. Through augmented reality, the elements come to life, and you can access extra information along the way. This lets you experience the city’s beautiful spots from a whole new perspective. Even after VITOpolis moves on, ResourCity will remain in Turnhout as a permanent city game.

Visitor reactions to VITOpolis

• “An inspiring and fascinating place where you discover just how many sustainable solutions already exist. Living sustainably is truly possible – it’s simply a matter of doing.”
  — Jo
   
• “An initiative that raises awareness of the urgent need for sustainability. Truly inspiring.”
  — Carine
   
• “VITOpolis is essential for helping younger generations experience how they can make a tangible impact!”
  — Ingrid
   
• “As a teacher, I think this is a fantastic initiative. The topic fits perfectly within various school years and subjects such as natural sciences and geography.”
  — Els, Tisp Mol
   
• “A super fun pop-up! ‘Design your trousers’ was fantastic, the exhibits were very engaging, and the raw materials module was truly inspiring. A valuable learning experience for our students — hopefully we’ll be able to visit again in the future.”
  — Sofie, Campus Rozenberg Mol
   
• “VITOpolis is perfectly tailored to young people who hold our sustainable future in their hands. This definitely leaves us wanting more.”
  — Campus Sint-Paulus
   

VITOpolis – practical information

• Open: from 1 October to 5 December

• Location: Leopoldstraat 16, 2300 Turnhout

• Suitable for: students aged 12+ (secondary education, all study areas)

• Opening hours: every Tuesday and Thursday, continuously from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exception: closed on Tuesday 11 November

• Groups: visits for groups larger than 15 people are possible on other days, depending on availability

• Reservations: required for groups of 8 people or more

• Weekend openings: VITOpolis is also open on selected weekend days – check our website for details

• More information: www.vitopolis.be

The exhibition is open to everyone who wants to learn more about making sustainable choices in everyday life. A visit takes around an hour and a half – and it’s completely free!