Bardelaeremuseum

About the museum

The Bardelaeremuseum opened in 1975 following a collaboration between De Lembeekse Bardelaerevrienden, who wanted to preserve and restore the Westermolen (Westermill), and the VVV Warande. The first museum space was a former malthouse of the old Stockman brewery. That place soon became too small, and in 1982 the municipality made available an 18th-century farmhouse with a barn and stables. The museum has been based there ever since, on the edge of the Lembeke woods.

The collection numbers more than 15,000 objects: agricultural and craft tools, household items and everyday objects from the Meetjesland of the past. In a 19th-century barn, dolls, objects and small details depict more than a hundred old trades, from blacksmith and baker to basket maker and barber. In the old house next to the barn a museum café has been set up.

On the grounds there is also a traditional bakehouse and a bunker from the First World War. Visitors can play old board games indoors, and try out folk games and krulbollen (a traditional Flemish game) outdoors. The museum is a local initiative with a cosy, playful character, and tells the history of village life with plenty of humour.

Highlights

• Barn from the 19th century with dolls and objects depicting more than a hundred old trades
• More than 15,000 objects: farm equipment, craft tools and household items
• Restored bunker from the First World War on the grounds
• Traditional bakehouse and museum café in an 18th-century house
• Folk games and krulbollen on the grounds

Permanent exhibitions

• Honderd oude beroepen in de schuur – In a 19th-century barn, dolls, tools and small details depict old trades such as blacksmith, baker, basket maker and barber.
• Erf met bakhuis en bunker – On the grounds stand a traditional bakehouse and a restored bunker from the First World War.

Founded

1975

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

On the grounds there is a restored bunker at children’s height. At the museum café you can try old board games and folk games, and in fine weather krulbollen too.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The museum café is in the 18th-century house next to the barn; in fine weather there is also a terrace. Inside you can play old board games.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit