Archeocentrum Velzeke

About the museum

Archeocentrum Velzeke is a museum of the Province of East Flanders in Velzeke, a district of Zottegem. It presents the prehistory and above all the Gallo-Roman period of the region. In Roman times Velzeke was a vicus, a small settlement at the crossroads of two Roman roads. According to Wikipedia the museum opened in 1972, a year after the bronze Venus of Velzeke was found. The silver hoard of Everbeek is also part of the collection.

Since 2021 new excavations have been taking place next to the museum, which are due to last about ten years. The Archeopark, which is free to visit, accompanies these excavations. The Archeodepot stores archaeological finds from the southeast of East Flanders. The centre is also the starting point of the signposted route Viae Romanae Velzeke-Bavay, which follows the old Roman road to Bavay.

Alongside the permanent and the informative exhibition there are temporary exhibitions, events and activities for children, schools and groups.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on prehistory and the Gallo-Roman period
• Venus of Velzeke and the silver hoard of Everbeek
• Free-to-visit Archeopark with ongoing excavations
• Archeodepot with finds from the southeast of East Flanders
• Clothing workshops and Roman-themed activities for children
• Starting point of the Viae Romanae Velzeke-Bavay route

Permanent exhibitions

• Vaste tentoonstelling Archeocentrum Velzeke – The permanent display shows archaeological finds from prehistory and the Gallo-Roman period, with replicas that you may touch.
• Archeodepot – The depot stores archaeological finds from the southeast of East Flanders.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen

Admission & discounts

The prices listed apply to the combi ticket, which gives access to the permanent exhibition, the informative exhibition and the current temporary exhibition. The Archeopark is free to visit. With a purchased ticket you can visit one other East Flanders heritage site once; the ticket remains valid for one year. Museumpas holders enter free. Free admission also applies to schools, teachers, press, ICOM/ICOMOS members and provincial staff. Booking can be done online or by phone but is not compulsory; for classes and groups, booking is required.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The heritage site is accessible to wheelchair users; people with a physical disability can drive up to the entrance. Assistance dogs are permitted (with a tag or pass on the harness). In the exhibition you may touch replicas, even without a guide, and there are AI-generated audio fragments for hard-of-hearing visitors. Group tours can be adapted for people with visual, hearing or intellectual disabilities. The centre works together with Toerisme voor Autisme.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children can ask questions to life-size dolls, try out interactive elements and dress up in Gallo-Roman clothing during workshops. There are events with Romans and extra activities for children during the school holidays.

Getting there & parking

You reach Velzeke from the E17 (exit 7, Deinze) or the E40 (exit 17, Wetteren) and turn into the Doolbosweg. You can hire bicycles at Fietspunt Zottegem.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The Archeoshop sells books, brochures and gadgets. You may eat your own picnic inside or outside; for schools and groups there is a lunch room for about 75 people. For restaurants the centre refers to Toerisme Zottegem.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit