Fransmansmuseum

About the museum

The Fransmansmuseum pays tribute to the thousands of men and women from Flanders who went to northern France for seasonal work until the 1960s. They worked mainly in sugar beet cultivation, from hoeing in spring to harvesting in autumn. The Fransmans (as the Flemish workers were called) were often away from home for months, with one aim in mind: to escape poverty.

The museum is housed in the outbuildings of the former Christiaen brewery and malting house, including the horse stables, storerooms and the hop cellar. The complex is now the De Brouwerij cultural centre, which also houses the tourist office and the Käthe Kollwitz Museum. In 2016 the museum was completely rebuilt, and in March 2017 it reopened to the public. At the entrance stands the sculpture group “De drie tjoolders” by Willem Vermandere.

The renewed display follows the Fransmans step by step: from the village café where they got their contracts, along the long journey on foot, by bicycle or by train, to the French fields. Strong photographs and personal stories are central. For children there is a treasure hunt with Louis, a boy who went along on the campaign with his parents.

Highlights

• The story of the Flemish seasonal workers in northern France
• Strong photographs and personal stories
• The journey from the village café to the French fields
• Treasure hunt with Louis for children
• Sculpture group “De drie tjoolders” by Willem Vermandere at the entrance

Permanent exhibition

• Fransmansmuseum – seizoenarbeid in Frankrijk – Permanent exhibition on the Flemish seasonal workers in northern France, with photographs, stories and a treasure hunt for children.

Operated by

Gemeente Koekelare

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for both the Fransmansmuseum and the Käthe Kollwitz Museum. Residents of Koekelare enter free. Schools and people eligible for the Iedereen Verdient Vakantie network have separate rates.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 museum is wheelchair-accessible. For more information, please feel free to contact the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children can follow the treasure hunt with Louis, together with the Westhoek mascots Jaek and Nink.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the De Brouwerij cultural centre at Sint-Maartensplein 15b, together with the tourist office and the Käthe Kollwitz Museum.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit