Overview of Flemish museums

Flemish museums make it their business to preserve the soul of the past and the popular traditions of its residents via their collections. So, at the Musée de la Vie Rurale de Steenwerck (Museum of Rural Life), you’ll be immersed in the rural Flanders of 1900, with the old school, the cobbler, the kitchen and the grocery store bringing the childhood memories of our grandparents back to life. You can even go and have a little afternoon snack at the museum’s estaminet!

While in Terdeghem, at Steenmeulen, you’ll discover all there is to know about vintage agricultural machinery and the life of a miller, and at Godewaersvelde, you’ll play cat and mouse between customs officers and smugglers at the Musée de la Vie Frontalière (Museum of Life on the Border). At the mill, it’s impossible not to succumb to the charm of Jeff’s cheekiness! He will explain the life of the Steenmeulen, intimately linked to that of this parents. You’ll know everything there is to know about the techniques used over time to grind the grain and you’ll be surprised to discover a Persian mill in the middle of Flanders! The visit is accompanied by the exhibition of working material and day-to-day objects.

In Godewaersvelde, you’ll discover the border history of the region. It’s hard to remember, but not so long ago, you had to scheme in order to transport goods from Belgium. The Flemish vied with ingenuity to commit fraud, exposing themselves to many risks.

The life of local residents is also explored at the Musée d’histoire locale (Museum of Local History) in Nieppe. Located in the grounds of the château, a number of rooms tell the story of the town and its struggle with two World Wars. Reminiscences of inhabitants, old photos, an entire slice of history is available to you.

Music lovers should definitely pay a visit to the Ferme des Orgues (Organ Museum) in Steenwerck to explore the secrets of mechanical music, or the Musée de la Radio (Radio Museum) in Boeschèpe. In Steenwerck, you’ll be enthralled by the melodies of these sometimes huge instruments. From the music box to the organ, everything comes to life as if by magic. This is thanks to its seamless technical nature! Speaking of technique, in Boeschèpe, you can find out more about the entire technological evolution of the broadcasting world. From the 1920s to today, from crystal radio receivers to pirate radio, you’ll always be on the right wavelength.

While foodies should spend some time at the Musée des Abeilles (Bee Museum) in Neuf Berquin. Of course, honey is one of the topics of conversation. But you’ll also understand just how important this insect is for the environment. Without them, there would be no flowers and no trees. Small but essential to life, you’ll get to know and recognise them.

Museums in Flanders have so much knowledge to share with you! During the holidays, some also organise entertainment, workshops or courses, if you’re looking for a visit with a difference. Take a look at our schedule on www.coeurdeflandre.fr to find out what’s on. All of these museums are part of a common network, organising events throughout the year. To find out more about our museums, go to www.muzea.fr