HIPPO.WAR

About the museum

HIPPO.WAR is the visitor centre on the First World War in Waregem. It opened on 11 November 2017 on the second floor of the grandstand of the Gaverbeekhippodroom. The name refers to the Greek word hippos, meaning horse, and to Waregem and the war. The centre wants to preserve the heritage of the Great War now that there are no witnesses left, and to show lesser-known aspects of the story.

The two permanent exhibitions together cover 900 m². The first is about the horse: between 1914 and 1918 horses pulled cannons, carried supplies and bore riders. The second shows the role of the Americans, who helped liberate Waregem and the surrounding area. The Flanders Field American Cemetery is nearby.

The objects include an authentic horse skeleton, a rebuilt horse hospital, original horse harnesses, a large collection of American uniforms, and letters from the families of soldiers buried at Flanders Field. With six listening posts, the listening play Woody tells the story of the horse Woody and his master Rikske. Just past the entrance there is space for temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• Authentic horse skeleton from the war
• Rebuilt horse hospital
• Large collection of American uniforms and letters from soldiers' families
• Listening play Woody with six listening posts
• Interactive quiz on a large screen for children and families

Permanent exhibitions

• Het paard in de Eerste Wereldoorlog – Photos, film, sound and objects show the role of the horse at the front and behind the lines, with an interactive quiz and a rebuilt horse hospital.
• De Amerikanen in de Eerste Wereldoorlog – This exhibition tells how the American army helped liberate Waregem and the region, with uniforms and letters from soldiers' families.

Founded

2017

Operated by

Stad Waregem

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 visitor centre is on the second floor of the grandstand; the website gives no information on the accessibility of the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

For nursery and primary school children there are tear-off sheets with tasks (Dutch only). On a large screen you can play an interactive quiz with questions adapted to age, against friends or parents.

Getting there & parking

Cyclists ride to the hippodrome via Holstraat 95 and park their bikes at the grandstand. The entrance is about 70 metres from the roundabout Holstraat–Leeuwkestraat–Rooseveltlaan–Felix Verhaeghestraat.

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