Kunstencentrum Ten Bogaerde

About the museum

The Ten Bogaerde site originated in the twelfth century as a farm of the Duinenabdij (Dunes Abbey). Around 1240 the estate reached its peak and the Grote Schuur (Great Barn) was built. After the destruction of the old abbey in Koksijde, from 1539 the monks had a fortified small castle at Ten Bogaerde; the church and the abbot's building were completed at the beginning of the 1600s. After the abolition of the abbey by the French Republic, the Duinheren bought back the farm. In 1833 the last monk bequeathed it to the diocese of Bruges. The world wars caused serious damage, and from 1952 to 2001 the site served as an agricultural school.

The municipality of Koksijde bought the site in 2003–2004 and started a repurposing project. In the period 2014–2016 the great barn, a rare surviving medieval brick building, was converted by Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects (Bruges) into the Kunstencentrum Ten Bogaerde. Contemporary exhibitions take place on the ground floor; the mezzanine floor, which seems to float, shows the oeuvre of George Grard.

George Grard (1901–1984) is regarded as one of the greatest Belgian figurative sculptors and, together with Paul Delvaux, Pierre Caille and others, was one of the founders of the School of Sint-Idesbald. In 2016 the municipality concluded a loan agreement with the Stichting George Grard (George Grard Foundation). The original plaster models, monumental bronze statues and pen drawings are permanently displayed in and around Ten Bogaerde. In this way Koksijde took over the role of the George Grard museum in Gijverinkhove, which closed at the end of 2009.

Highlights

• George Grard collection: plaster models, monumental bronzes and pen drawings
• Sculpture garden with 8 bronze statues by Grard
• Converted medieval abbey barn by Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects
• Contemporary art exhibitions on the ground floor
• Site in a protected dune and polder area

Permanent exhibitions

• Collectie George Grard – Original plaster models, monumental bronze statues and pen drawings by the sculptor George Grard, permanently displayed on the mezzanine floor.
• Beeldentuin Ten Bogaerde – Eight bronze statues by George Grard are spread across the site, against the backdrop of the dune landscape.

Operated by

Gemeente Koksijde

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Open Museum Day (first Saturday of the month)

The rate applies to the exhibition and the Grard collection. Free admission is also available to residents of Koksijde (on presentation of eID), to people whose birthday falls on the day of the visit, and to holders of a K-pas, teacher's card, ICOM card or press card. The site and the sculpture garden can be visited free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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 arts centre is wheelchair-accessible. Anyone who needs help getting from the bus stop or car park to the door can call the Culture department (058 53 34 40) during office hours, or 058 53 34 97 during opening hours. A step-by-step plan from Toerisme voor Autisme is available for a prepared visit.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Besides exhibitions, the arts centre also offers art talks, workshops for children and concerts.

Getting there & parking

By car via the E40, exit 1A (Veurne); on the N8 drive straight on towards Koksijde-aan-Zee. The arts centre is on the left in the Ten Bogaerdelaan.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

On the site there are a micro-brewery with café (abbey beer St. Idesbald, in the old pig sties) and the restaurant Mondieu in the former abbot's residence.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit