Liberation Garden

About the museum

Liberation Garden opened on 6 May 2023 in Leopoldsburg. The museum tells the story of the Second World War (1940-1945), the Nazi occupation and the liberation through the stories of ordinary people: occupiers, resistance fighters and liberators. It also raises questions about morality, freedom and democracy, and shows that history is not unambiguous. The museum holds the quality label of the Flemish government.

The site has its own wartime story. In the camp at Leopoldsburg German soldiers were trained, and resistance members were imprisoned before they were sent on to concentration camps. In May 1944 the camp was heavily bombed, and in September 1944 the liberation got stuck because of German resistance, after which Operation Market Garden failed. The region is sometimes called the “Oosthoek” (eastern corner) of the Second World War.

The museum is housed in the Chinese Pavilion, a restored officers' villa from 1869 with a glass extension, which also houses the tourist reception of Leopoldsburg. Prof. Dr Peter Schrijvers, historian of the Second World War, is the curator and narrates the audio guide. More than one hundred local ambassadors explain and share their experiences.

Highlights

• Virtual reality flight in a Spitfire
• Bombing raid where you have to seek cover
• Historical characters who tell their story when you touch their hand
• Audio guide in four languages, narrated by curator Peter Schrijvers
• Children's route for 7- to 14-year-olds with hands-on tasks

Permanent exhibition

• Liberation Garden: de Tweede Wereldoorlog in Leopoldsburg – The experience exhibition tells of the occupation and the liberation, with virtual reality, a bombing raid, a briefing and characters who tell their stories.

Founded

2023

Admission & discounts

The audio guide is included in the ticket. Free admission for holders of the Museumpas, the Riebedebie passport (holder plus one person) and the Liberationpas. Residents of Leopoldsburg with a leisure pass pay half the adult or child rate and buy their ticket at the box office. Online booking is recommended.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 fully wheelchair-accessible and offers support to visitors with reduced mobility. There are accessible toilets on the ground floor and on the upper floor. You can borrow two wheelchairs free of charge in the building. Recognised assistance dogs are welcome; pets are not allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Children aged 7 to 14 follow their own adventurous mission with hands-on tasks and a children's audio guide. Pushchairs and rollators can be left at the desk or taken through the exhibition.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the cycle node network. At the entrance there is a covered bicycle shelter with a pump and a charging point.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free wifi in the museum. In the museum garden there is a seasonal pop-up bar with terrace (LiBARation); eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition rooms. You can also picnic in the garden. Free lockers in the reception building work with a €0.50 or €1 coin. There is a museum shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit