Leuven’s pride and joy, the city’s town hall is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world with over 200 statues adorning its façade. Situated in Leuven’s Grote Markt (Main Market), the town hall remained standing despite the destruction wrought on Leuven during the first world war. Photograph: Marco Mertens
In 2008 Cai Guo-Qiang set of black fireworks against the background of the ruins of the atom Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. Black Fireworks: Project for Hiroshima, 2008 is one of the video pieces displayed at Ravaged. Photograph: PR image
On 25 August 1914 the Leuven’s University Hall and its illustrious library was reduced to rubble by the German army. Leuven brothers Pierre Alphonse and Pierre Emile Arnou captured the destruction on camera for the world to see. Photographs, a map of the damage and original film material from the British Film Institute are exposed at Ravaged and give an impression of the ravages committed in Leuven. Photograph: PR image
The tower of Leuven’s University library is a major landmark of the city and has a strong relation towards WWI. The climb to the top might be steep but it’s worth the effort to take in the spectacular views of Leuven. Photograph: PR image
The burning of Leuven University Library was used worldwide as an example of the destructiveness and barbarism of Germany’s occupation. After the war, the American government funded the construction of a new library. In 1939 the Belgians gifted America an imposing tapestry designed by Belgian artist Floris Jespers as a token of their gratitude. Since then the tapestry has been stored at Stanford University. Now, 79 years later, the tapestry of the burning library has crossed the Atlantic Ocean for a second time. Photograph: PR image
Ravaged features a large replica of the Iraqi Ishtar Gate by conceptual artist Michael Rakowitz. One of the most famous stolen artworks in history (currently residing in Berlin), Rakowitz’s version of the Ishtar Gate is made of Arabic food packaging. Photograph: PR
Leuven’s M-Museum is an impressive structure incorporating both existing historical buildings and new buildings designed by renowned Belgian architect Stéphane Beel. Inside it houses a varied permanent collection of late gothic and 19th-century paintings and sculptures as well as contemporary video, photography and design. Photograph: Michel Vaerewijck
Influenced by some of the destroyed buildings in her hometown of Beirut, Hatoum’s Bunker evokes the numerous cities that have been badly damaged by the violence of war. Photograph: PR image
Known as the longest bar in the world, Oude Markt is where Leuven likes to relax with friends. Nearly 40 bars surround the central square, which regularly hosts events, including a race between waiters. Photograph: PR image
Constantinople – present-day Istanbul – was destroyed and rebuilt 12 times. The perspective of Romantic painter William Turner transforms the tragic destruction and chaos of the inferno into a veritable feast for the eyes Photograph: RMN/R union des Mus es Nationaux
