Zimmermuseum Lier
Museum in and next to the Zimmertoren of Lier, with the Jubelklok, the Astronomical Studio and the Wonderklok of clockmaker Louis Zimmer.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Zimmertoren in Lier was originally a medieval city tower from the 13th century, called the Corneliustoren, and formed part of the defensive belt around the city. Since 1930 the tower has housed the Jubelklok and the Astronomical Studio of Louis Zimmer (1888–1970), the clockmaker and astronomer from Lier who built his life's work here.
The Koninklijk Zimmertorencomité (Royal Zimmer Tower Committee) has managed the heritage Zimmer left behind since 1930. The Jubelklok is the master clock at the top of the tower. It drives all the clock faces on the outside, the Astronomical Studio and the striking mechanism above the carousel. Every day at 12 o'clock, figures from national and Lier history from 1830 to 1930 appear on the side wall, including the first three Belgian kings and six mayors of Lier.
In the neighbouring Zimmerpaviljoen stands the Wonderklok, which in 1980 concluded Zimmer's mechanical period. There Zimmer uses automata to explain how weight and gravity differ on various planets. The exhibition has been modernised, with an overview of electronic timekeeping after the mechanical era and more interaction with the automata; part of the costs was subsidised by Toerisme Vlaanderen.
Highlights
- Zimmer tower with the Jubelklok and the Astronomical Studio
- Carousel with figures from history from 1830 to 1930, daily at 12:00
- Wonderklok with automata on weight and gravity on the planets
- Overview of the shift from mechanical to electronic timekeeping
- Video system with explanation in Dutch, French, German and English
Permanent exhibitions
- Zimmertoren met Jubelklok en Astronomische Studio – In the tower, since 1930, stand the master clock and the Astronomical Studio of Louis Zimmer; at 12:00 the carousel shows figures from the history of 1830 to 1930.
- Zimmerpaviljoen met Wonderklok – In the pavilion you can see the Wonderklok and automata on weight and gravity, supplemented by an overview of modern electronic timekeeping.
- Operated by
- Koninklijk Zimmertorencomité Lier vzw
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Young people aged 6 to 15 |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children up to and including 5 years enter free; from 6 up to and including 15 years you pay €3. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –For groups of 15 participants or more a reduced rate applies; the website lists a rate between free and €6 per person. |
| Schools and education (from 15 people, up to and including 18 years) | €1.50With a guide €20 extra, or with the educational pack. |
| Book a guide (groups) | €35 |
| Educational pack (per group, third year of primary school) | €30Only together with the rate for schools/education. |
| Zimmer walk with guide (per person, from 15 people) | €15Walk in the footsteps of Louis Zimmer with a visit to the museum, a coffee and a Lier vlaaike (local tart). |
Admission prices have deliberately been kept low, in line with Louis Zimmer's philosophy. The museum is a member of uiTPAS Lier.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the website, the museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users and has adapted sanitary facilities. Those who cannot go up the tower can see what takes place in the Zimmertoren through an audiovisual installation. There are QR codes with listening texts, and all information is also shown on LED screens. At the front of the tower stands a bronze scale model with Braille script.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
For schools there is an educational pack for the third year of primary school. Louis Zimmer wanted to arouse the interest of as many adults and children as possible, which is why the prices remain low.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Zimmertorencomplex houses café De Zimmer, where you can combine a snack and a drink with your visit. Publications are for sale at the counter.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A video system provides explanation in four languages (Dutch, French, German and English); the visit takes about 40 to 50 minutes. With a guide, the tour lasts a good hour and begins with an introduction from the Big Bang. An educational pack is available for schools. |
