Huize Ernest Claes

About the museum

The writer Ernest Claes was born on 24 October 1885 on the farm along the road between Averbode and Zichem, the seventh of nine children. His parents were small farmers and tree nurserymen. Claes broke through with the book De Witte in 1920 and then wrote numerous novels and stories. He died in 1968 and is buried in Averbode.

On 29 April 1967 his birthplace was ceremonially opened as a museum, in the presence of, among others, Gerard Walschap and Jan Van Hemelryck. The house is managed by the city of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem.

In the house you can visit a living room, a small cellar and the back part, and discover what rural life looked like around 1900. A room in the outbuilding gives an overview of Claes' publications. Next to the house lies the Demerbroeken nature reserve, which inspired Claes in his books. Since 2005 the visitor centre of Natuurpunt has been based in the stable and barn.

Highlights

• Ernest Claes's birthplace, where he was born in 1885
• Living room, small cellar and back room furnished around 1900
• Overview of his publications in the outbuilding
• Natuurpunt visitor centre Demerbroeken on the same estate
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Geboortehuis van Ernest Claes – The living room, small cellar and back room show rural life around 1900; a room in the outbuilding gives an overview of the writer's publications.

Founded

1967

Operated by

Stad Scherpenheuvel-Zichem

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Both the museum and the visitor centre can be visited free of charge.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at walking junctions 61 and 411 and cycle junctions 58 and 83.

Amenities & dining

A Natuurpunt visitor centre about the Demerbroeken is located on the estate.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit