It was closed in 1796 by the French occupants, but shortly afterwards it was re-opened. By 1962, the original function had long since ended and the entire complex was bought by the university of Leuven. Professor Raymond Lemaire started an important renovation campaign. The old 16th and 17th century houses were transformed into modern flats for students and academic staff. Even after the transformation the Beguinage kept its original look as a city within the city.
Most houses are still in brick and are decorated with a little garden on the outside.
In-between the houses are cobble stone streets. The Beguinage church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist has also been renovated. The church was built in the 14th and 15th centuries in Gothic style. The plain and austere exterior contrasts heavily with the lush Baroque interior that comes mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries. During renovations, wall paintings from the 14th and 17th centuries were discovered.