Lange Max Museum

About the museum

During the First World War, in the north of Koekelare, in the hamlet of Leugenboom, there was a German naval battery with a heavy gun known as Lange Max. The gun could shell Dunkirk from the Westhoek and in 1917 was regarded as the largest gun of its kind. After the war the site attracted many visitors: in the interwar period it was a well-known stop for war tourism, and foreign dignitaries also came to see the gun.

Today the remains of the enormous concrete gun emplacement are still on the site, sunk into the meadow just in front of the wood. Together with the restored bakehouse and the Lange-Maxdreef, the whole is protected as a village view. The site is also a starting point for walking and cycling routes and a regular stop on the IJzerfront-autoroute.

The Lange Max Museum opened next to the site in October 2014. It is a private initiative of the vzw Lange Max, which works together with the local history society Spaenhiers and relies on a large group of volunteers. The museum was nominated for the 2015 Heritage Prize of the province of West Flanders.

The display deliberately looks at the German side of the war: the organisation behind the front, the German occupation of Koekelare and the place of the battery in the larger story. The information is built up in layers using various media, so that both experts and families with children find something of interest.

Highlights

• The story of the Lange Max gun and Batterie Pommern
• Remains of the gun emplacement on the site (permanently open to visitors)
• War on the German side of the Western Front
• Layered display with interactive screens and film
• Protected bakehouse and Lange-Maxdreef on the grounds

Permanent exhibition

• Lange Max Museum – The permanent exhibition tells the story of the Lange Max gun and shows the war from the German side, with a film and interactive screens.

Founded

2014

Operated by

vzw Lange Max

Admission & discounts

Schools always visit by appointment. Payment at the counter is only possible in cash or by Payconiq via smartphone; bank cards are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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 museum was screened using the Toegankelijk Vlaanderen methodology and by the Werkgroep Toegankelijk Koekelare (accessibility working group). Museum chairs are available in the permanent exhibition. The site has ample adapted parking spaces. To reach the gun emplacement you walk over grass via the Lange-Maxdreef; help may be needed there.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The museum also describes itself as suitable for families with children. There is a children's audio guide and a workbook featuring Alfons and his drum; schools can also follow a treasure hunt with a puzzle booklet. The display works with interactive screens.

Getting there & parking

From the centre of Koekelare, turn left into the Leugenboomstraat; from the N33 in Eernegem, turn right. After 300 metres turn left into the Clevenstraat; the museum is 450 metres further on, on the right. The site is just outside the village, on the border with Moere, and is a regular stop on the IJzerfront-autoroute.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

Bistro Lange Max at the same address (breakfast, lunch, tearoom with terrace) is run separately; there is free Wi-Fi in the bistro.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit