VITOpolis in Sint-Niklaas: discover how you can shape the future

On Thursday, January 15, VITOpolis, VITO’s interactive pop-up, opened its doors in Sint-Niklaas. After successful editions in Hasselt, Westerlo, Mol, Roeselare, Ostend, and Turnhout, this promises to be an outstanding edition. Interest is already high: shortly after opening, nearly 1,600 registrations had been received.

News 21 January 2026

VITOpolis is not an ordinary exhibition but a surprising journey of discovery, showing how small steps can make a difference for the future of our world. Visitors can explore how energy, food, water, technology, and materials shape our daily lives, and how smart ideas and conscious choices truly matter.

VITOpolis is ideal for secondary school students. With interactive installations, challenging assignments, and free lesson materials aligned with the curriculum, sustainability becomes tangible and accessible. It’s perfect for class trips, STEM projects, or themed school days.

This strong engagement was evident during the press opening on January 18, attended by sixty teachers along with tourism students from Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Presentatie (OLVP). Representatives from the city government were also present. During the press opening, Carl Hanssens, alderman for Urban Development, Economy and Digitalization, Kristof Van Gansen, alderman for Welfare, Climate and Agriculture, and Adelheid Van Hauwermeiren, alderman for Education and Growing Up, Tourism and Animal Welfare, all addressed the audience.

But VITOpolis isn’t just for young people. Everyone is welcome, alone or with family, during opening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, without an appointment. During the Carnival school holiday, it is also open on Thursday, and visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., no reservation needed.

From March 17 to 24, VITOpolis will conclude with a bang: a week full of activities and experiences you won’t want to miss. More information will follow soon!

“VITOpolis shows how students can be introduced in an inspiring way to sustainable projects in our city, as well as modules that give them insight into a healthy future.”

- Kristof Van Gansen, alderman for Welfare, Climate and Agriculture

Some reactions from VITOpolis visitors

“An inspiring and engaging place that shows how many sustainable solutions already exist. Living sustainably is possible. It’s just a matter of taking action.” - Jo

“An initiative that makes visitors aware of the urgent need for sustainability. Inspiring.” – Carine

“VITOpolis is essential for letting younger generations experience how they can make a concrete impact!” - Ingrid

“As a teacher, I think this is a fantastic initiative. This topic is addressed in several grades in subjects such as Science and Geography.” - Els, Tisp Mol

“A super fun pop-up! ‘Design your trousers’ was fantastic, the installations were very engaging, and the raw materials module was highly inspiring. A valuable learning experience for our students. Hopefully, we can visit the pop-up again in the future.” - Sofie, Campus Rozenberg Mol

“VITOpolis is perfectly tailored for young people who hold our sustainable future in their hands. This leaves you wanting more.” - Campus Sint-Paulus

Practical information for visiting VITOpolis

Open from January 15 to March 24
Location: Cocon, Heistraat 135b, Sint-Niklaas (main entrance via Mechelen – Terneuzenweg)
For schools
- Suitable for students aged 12 and above (secondary education, all tracks).
- Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., reservation required.
For everyone
- Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., no reservation needed.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Reservation required for groups of 8 or more. Email mailto:vitopolis@vito.be to book.
Visiting on a different weekday than Tuesday or Thursday?
- Possible, except on public holidays, for groups of 15 to 25 people. Contact us to discuss options.
The exhibition is for anyone interested in learning more about sustainable choices in daily life. A visit takes one to one-and-a-half hours and is free of charge.
More information at www.vitopolis.be