Bosmuseum Jan van Ruusbroec
Free forest museum in an old tenant farm of the Groenendaal priory, about the Sonian Forest, forest management and the nature of Flanders’ largest deciduous forest.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Bosmuseum is in Groenendaal, on the edge of the Sonian Forest, in a historic tenant farm of the old Groenendaal priory. The museum is intended as a first introduction to the vast forest and its inhabitants, and at the same time is an ideal starting point for walks and bike rides in Flanders’ largest deciduous forest.
With models, maps, scale models and nature collections you get to know the fauna, the flora and the principles of forest management. The Spanish Hall (Spaanse Zaal) covers the rich history of the forest and its abbeys.
The museum is a collaboration between Natuurpunt Natuuracademie and the nature guides of the Sonian Forest, with support from the Province of Flemish Brabant, the Agency for Nature and Forest and the Flemish Community Commission. It is also a partner of Stichting Zoniënwoud. Nature workshops for schoolchildren are organised from the museum in the forest.
Highlights
- Models, maps and scale models of the Sonian Forest
- Nature collections on the fauna and flora of the forest
- Spanish Hall about the history of the forest and its abbeys
- Historic tenant farm of the Groenendaal priory
- Starting point for walks and bike rides through the Sonian Forest
Permanent exhibition
- Het Zoniënwoud en zijn bewoners – Models, maps, scale models and nature collections on fauna, flora and forest management, supplemented by the Spanish Hall on the history of the forest and its abbeys.
- Operated by
- Natuurpunt
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
The museum is free to visit during opening hours, without reservation.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Natuurpunt describes the museum as fun for children. For school groups there are nature workshops in the forest, and on some Sundays there are activities for families, such as an experience trail.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
There is parking nearby.
The museum is on the edge of the Sonian Forest and is a starting point for walks and bike rides.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There is an information desk and a picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups can come every day by appointment and book a guided walk. For schoolchildren the museum organises nature workshops in the Sonian Forest. Pets are not allowed. |
