The National Lottery is preparing to launch a new game with a strong social impact. Called the ‘Heritage Tombola’, this unique initiative aims to support museums, scientific institutions and cultural projects throughout the country.
In 2026, the National Lottery will be expanding its offering with a new game called the ‘Heritage Tombola’. Officially announced on 18 December, the aim of this tombola is to finance and promote Belgium’s cultural and scientific heritage.
The new game is being developed in partnership with museumPASSmusées, the cultural association Prométhéa and the Royal Institute for Artistic Heritage (Irpa). Together, these recognised players aim to create a transparent, structured system that is accessible to the general public.
3 projects elected by the public
Unlike traditional games of chance, the Heritage Tombola introduces a participatory dimension.
18 projects from federal scientific establishments and museums officially recognised in Belgium will be shortlisted, spread evenly across the country’s three regions.
Three winners will then be chosen by a public vote, which will strengthen the direct involvement of citizens in the choice of initiatives supported.
Museums, science and collective memory at the heart of the project
Eligible projects will cover a broad spectrum of Belgian heritage. Museums, scientific collections, historical archives and federal institutions will be eligible for financial support from the tombola. The aim is twofold: to preserve fragile works and collections and to make them accessible to as many people as possible.
Alongside this tombola, the National Lottery has also confirmed its support for the ‘Heritage Stories’ programme, run in collaboration with KBR, VUB and ULB. This programme aims to raise awareness of major heritage collections by studying, restoring and promoting them.