Bezoekerscentrum Kolonie 5-7

About the museum

The Kolonie 5-7 visitor centre is located in the former pigsty of the Grote Hoeve in Merksplas-Kolonie. The Kolonie was a complete justice village with guard houses, a large farm, a school and a chapel. The former vagrants' farm and the chapel now have a tourist and recreational function.

In the visitor centre you walk at your own pace through the stories of the colony. An animated film explains how and why the Colonies of Benevolence came about, personal testimonies show how the vagrants lived there, a virtual flight over Kolonie 5-7 gives an overview, and you get information about the animals and plants that live there.

The visitor centre is also the starting point for various walking and cycling routes. In the reception hall you can buy cycling and walking maps, Kolonie souvenirs and books about the vagrants. With the free Kolonie app you can follow the story of the vagrants outdoors.

Highlights

• Animated film on the origins of the Colonies of Benevolence
• Personal stories of vagrants
• Virtual flight over Kolonie 5-7
• Free admission, open every day until 22:00
• Starting point for walking and cycling routes
• Brasserie Colonie 7 next to the visitor centre

Permanent exhibition

• Kolonie 5-7 – A tour of the former pigsty with an animated film about the charitable colonies, testimonies of vagrants, a virtual flight and information about animals and plants.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission to the visitor centre.

Accessibility

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

The visitor centre is wheelchair-accessible. There are adapted toilets, and a few parking spaces near the entrance are reserved for visitors with disabilities.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

There is a changing mat for babies.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bicycle and walking maps, Kolonie souvenirs and books are sold in the reception hall. Brasserie Colonie 7 is next to the visitor centre. Toilets are free during opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Hall rental in the Grote Hoeve via Brasserie Colonie 7.

Plan your visit