Horlogeriemuseum
Private museum for clocks and watches from around 1600 to the present in Bonheiden, which can only be visited on a guided tour by the restorers themselves.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Horlogeriemuseum is a private museum for timekeepers, run by the restorers of antique clocks and watches Jozef Op de Beeck and his daughter Elke. The museum has existed since 1983 and for a long time was housed in the restored sixteenth-century house De Wildeman on the Lange Schipstraat in the centre of Mechelen. In 2024 it moved to a new location in Bonheiden, where the Klokkenkliniek (clock clinic), the workshop where clockwork is repaired and restored, is also housed.
The collection was built up from the daily work with old clockwork. It contains pieces from around 1600 to the present day, including a tower clock, hourglasses, sundials, mysterious clocks, exceptional pocket watches, top-quality wristwatches, longcase clocks, table clocks, wall clocks and alarm clocks. A lot of antique tools that clockmakers once used in their workshops are also on display; some of them are still used in restorations.
The museum also shows watches that Jozef Op de Beeck designed and made himself, such as retrograde wristwatches and clockwork in the shape of a cat, an owl or a tortoise. The museum can only be visited with a guided tour, so that visitors receive an explanation of what they see.
Highlights
- Clocks and watches from around 1600 to the present day
- Tower clock, hourglasses, sundials and pocket watches
- Antique tools of clockmakers
- Own designs by Jozef Op de Beeck, such as retrograde wristwatches
- Guided tour by the restorers themselves, in Dutch, English or French
Permanent exhibition
- Collectie klokken en horloges – A collection of timekeepers from around 1600 to the present, including a tower clock, hourglasses, sundials, pocket watches, longcase clocks and antique clockmakers' tools.
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- Horlogeriemuseum BV
- Director
- Jozef Op de Beeck en Elke Op de Beeck
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €8The rate of €8 applies to children in school groups. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €12.50 per personGroups of 10 to a maximum of 30 people pay €12.50 per person; the guide is included. |
Prices per person, including VAT.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Tours are adapted to the target group, from groups of young children and primary school pupils to specialists.
Getting there & parking
The museum is at Korte Hondshoekstraat 9 in Bonheiden (Op de Beeck).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Next to the museum is the Klokkenkliniek for repair, restoration, expertise and sale of clockwork, by appointment from Monday to Saturday.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The collection can only be visited on a guided tour by Jozef or Elke Op de Beeck, in Dutch, English or French. The explanation is adapted to the group, from young children and primary school pupils to specialists. A guided tour takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes; the maximum group size is 30 people. |
