Museum aan de IJzer

About the museum

The IJzertoren stands in a meadow in Kaaskerke, near Diksmuide, where the IJzerbedevaartcomité commemorated Flemish front soldiers every year from 1924 onwards. The first tower was inaugurated on 24 August 1930. After the Second World War the monument had a compromised reputation because of the pilgrimages held under the occupation; in the night of 15 to 16 March 1946 it was blown up with dynamite. The Paxpoort was built from the rubble, and the crypt with the graves of the IJzer symbols was preserved.

The new, taller tower was built between 1952 and 1965 to a design by the architect Robert Van Averbeke. The tower bears the message “Nooit meer oorlog” in four languages. In 1986 the building was recognised as the Memoriaal van de Vlaamse Ontvoogding; since the 1990s a museum has been housed inside.

Today you can visit the panorama room and the rooftop terrace at 84 metres, and a museum across 22 floors. The permanent collection Wat rest van het leven. Wat blijft van het land. shows the situation on the Belgian-German front and the Flemish emancipation as parts of one story, and encourages reflection. The museum is run by the vzw Aan de IJzer and takes peace, freedom and tolerance as its starting point.

Highlights

• Interactive museum on war and peace across 22 floors
• Panorama room and rooftop terrace at 84 metres, with views over the front-line area
• Paxpoort and IJzer crypt on the European Peace Site
• Permanent collection on the Belgian-German front in the First World War
• “Het geheim van de IJzertoren” activity booklet for children aged 8 to 12

Permanent exhibitions

• De Belgisch-Duitse confrontatie tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog – Part of the permanent exhibition Wat rest van het leven. Wat blijft van het land., floors 22 to 10, on the front between Belgium and Germany.
• De geschiedenis van de site – Floors 9 to 6: the story of the IJzertoren, the Paxpoort, the crypt and the IJzer pilgrimage.

Operated by

vzw Aan de IJzer

Director

Peter Mouton

Admission & discounts

Free for children under 7, residents of Diksmuide, Museumpas holders and press card holders; all benefits only on presentation of valid proof. Prices valid until 31 December 2026.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is easy to access, including for wheelchair users: there are seven lift stops, including in the panorama room, where lowered windows offer views. There are benches on the floors, and adapted sanitary facilities on the ground floor. Information texts are present and all film clips have subtitles. Only guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

The museum is officially approved by and for children (2026). The discovery booklet Het geheim van de IJzertoren, with tasks for children aged 8 to 12, is included in the child ticket. Pushchairs are allowed.

Getting there & parking

By car via the E40 (Middelkerke-Diksmuide exit) or the E403 (Lichtervelde exit) to Diksmuide; at the Hoge Brug over the IJzer you take the IJzerdijk.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers

There is an unattended cloakroom and lockers (€5 deposit). There is space to picnic on the ground floor and outside; you may not eat or drink inside the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The museum organises company visits and can offer catering packages and events on request, including outside opening hours (groups of 20 or more).

Plan your visit