Heem- en Radiomuseum Die Swane
Free local heritage museum from 1956 with a regional collection and a radio museum, open every Sunday from early March to late October in Heist-op-den-Berg.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Heemmuseum Die Swane in Heist-op-den-Berg opened in 1956 on the hill by the Kerkplein. The initiative came from Dr Jozef Weyns, co-founder and first curator of the open-air museum Bokrijk. The municipality built the museum to house the collection assembled by local folklorists. The local history circle Die Swane has been active in Heist-op-den-Berg and its sub-municipalities since 1948, and aims to study and preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the region.
In the heritage museum you can see, among other things, a decorated fireplace, a reconstructed kitchen, cradles, toys, school items and clothing. The textile collection of old folk costumes is well known. There is also antique furniture, measuring instruments and archaeological finds, such as an oak tub from the twelfth century, antique pistols and a historical loom that is demonstrated on certain Sundays.
On the top floor, the radio museum traces the history of radio in seven display cases: early crystal detectors, valve radios, receivers from the war years, design radios from the 1950s, a rare chandelier radio and a radio whose sound is played through organ pipes. The museum also has an active amateur radio station with call sign ON4MCL.
Highlights
- Heritage museum from 1956, initiated by Jozef Weyns of Bokrijk
- Folk costumes, reconstructed kitchen, cradles and toys
- Archaeological finds and a historical loom with demonstrations
- Radio museum with crystal detectors, wartime receivers and an organ-pipe radio
- Amateur radio station ON4MCL
- Free admission for individual visitors
Permanent exhibitions
- Heemmuseum – Regional collection with fireplace, kitchen, cradles, toys, folk costumes, furniture, archaeological finds and a loom.
- Radiomuseum – The history of radio in seven display cases, from crystal detectors to design radios, with an active amateur radio station.
- Founded
- 1956
- Operated by
- Heemkring Die Swane
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –A guided tour by appointment costs a contribution; the amount is not published. |
|---|
Individual visitors have free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Book a guided tour by appointment via the local history circle. The radio museum is on the top floor of the heritage museum. |