Kasteel van Loppem

About the museum

The Loppem castle was built between 1858 and 1863 for Baron Charles van Caloen and Countess Savina de Gourcy Serainchamps, in the neo-Gothic style of the time. First the English architect Edward Welby Pugin was approached; later Jean Bethune took over the commission. The result is a total work of art: architecture and interior were designed at the same time and have been preserved as a whole, including furniture, stained glass, chandeliers, staircases and fireplaces.

The castle also has historical significance. In 1918 King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth stayed there, and the Loppem Government formed there announced three far-reaching measures: universal suffrage for men, the Dutchification of Ghent University and the recognition of trade-union freedom.

The art collection was largely assembled by Baron Jean van Caloen (1884–1972), with medieval sculptures, Flemish paintings, stoneware, alabaster, ivory and illuminated manuscripts. His son Roland van Caloen added Asian and African art and precious bookbindings. In 1951 Jean van Caloen placed the castle, the park and the contents in a foundation. Since 1985 the castle has been a protected monument; the park with its maze is protected as a landscape.

Highlights

• Neo-Gothic total work of art by Pugin and Bethune
• Neo-Gothic salons, kitchen and family chapel
• Room where King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth stayed in 1918
• Art collection from the Middle Ages to the 20th century
• Romantic park with ponds and a maze

Permanent exhibitions

• Neogotische kasteelinterieurs – The neo-Gothic hall, salons, kitchen and family chapel show the daily life of the residents in their summer residence.
• Kunstcollecties van de familie van Caloen – On the first floor are medieval sculptures, Flemish paintings, stoneware and illuminated manuscripts, supplemented by Asian and African art.

Operated by

Stichting Jean van Caloen

Admission & discounts

Visitors with a museumPASSmusées enter free; the pass is scanned on site, and booking online with the pass is not possible. The maze is managed by the municipality of Zedelgem (€2 from age 4). A combi ticket for the castle and maze only exists for groups of 15 or more people. Tickets are bought at the entrance or online via Tiqets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Dogs and other pets are not admitted to the museum, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The castle park has ponds and a hornbeam maze, planted in 1873 for the children of the family. The castle occasionally organises children’s activities, such as the Halloweennocturne.

Getting there & parking

Address for navigation: Steenbrugsestraat 26, Loppem (Zedelgem). The castle is a few kilometres from Bruges, close to the Ostend–Brussels motorway.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 450 guests.

The former riding school (300 m²) accommodates 250 to 300 seated guests or up to 450 guests at a standing reception. The choice of caterer is free and there is a large kitchen. The vaulted cellars are suitable for smaller events.

Plan your visit