Gallische Hoeve
Archaeological open-air museum near Ghent with a reconstruction of a rural settlement from the Late Iron Age and the early Gallo-Roman period.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Gallische Hoeve is an archaeological open-air museum in the north of Ghent, on the border with Destelbergen. Between 1995 and 1997 a farm from the Late Iron Age and the early Gallo-Roman period was rebuilt, based on the remains of an excavated farmhouse from the first century. The buildings are made of oak and roofed with reed. The site also has a granary on stilts, a burial mound and a sanctuary.
The museum tries to bring aspects of life at that time back to life through Living History and experimental archaeology, without losing sight of the educational aspect. The Gallische Hoeve is one of the few archaeological open-air museums in Belgium.
The work relies on volunteers organised into working groups. Eduwer runs guided tours, workshops and lectures; Furor depicts Celtic warfare; Amscaldis revives crafts such as chainmail making, woodworking and weaving; and Imago manages the ecological care of the site and the historic fields. The museum also has a knowledge centre and lends out materials. At events and festivals outside its own site, the museum is also regularly a guest.
Highlights
- Reconstructed farm from the Late Iron Age with a reed roof and oak buildings
- Granary on stilts, burial mound and sanctuary on the site
- Living History and experimental archaeology
- Guided tours and workshops such as band weaving, fire making and Celtic warriors
- One of the few archaeological open-air museums in Belgium
Permanent exhibition
- Gallische Hoeve – gereconstrueerde nederzetting uit de IJzertijd – An open-air reconstruction of a rural settlement with a farm, granary on stilts, burial mound and sanctuary, where volunteers show the daily life and crafts of the Celts.
- Founded
- 1995
- Operated by
- vzw Gallische Hoeve
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1Young people aged 12 to 18 |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 11 · Children under 12 enter free; young people aged 12 to 18 pay €1. |
| Groups | –Groups visit the museum by appointment; guided tours and workshops are tailored to the group. |
| Members of the Gallische Hoeve vzw | €2 |
| Teacher card | €2 |
Free admission for children under 12, press and volunteers.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children can experience the past through Living History, guided tours and workshops; the farm can also be hired for a children's birthday party. School workshops are aimed at children aged 8 and over; the Little Warriors workshop is for children aged 12 and over.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The site can be hired for a birthday party or barbecue, for a workshop or event of an association, for a photo shoot or film recording, and for company activities such as team building and evening events with historical snacks and drinks. For catering the museum refers to Haeseveld Brewery; a combined visit to the brewery and the Gallische Hoeve is possible.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups and schools can book an animated guided tour or a workshop, also in combination. Workshops at the museum include band weaving, historical games, fire making, nature and environmental education on the Celts, and Little Warriors; in the classroom, topics include Celtic and Roman cooking. The offer for schools starts from age 8 and is adapted to the needs of the group, including for pupils with a developmental disorder such as autism spectrum disorder. |
