Natuurhistorisch Museum Boekenberg

About the museum

The cave complex in Boekenberg Park in Deurne was built at the beginning of the 19th century on the initiative of Jan Willem Smets. The rocks were brought in by cart from Wallonia. The caves were first used to entertain the guests of the lord of the manor; later two halls were used as an ice cellar. The complex is the largest artificially created cave complex in Western Europe.

In 1961 the municipality of Deurne made the cave complex available to the Speleologische Stichting Deurne. From that association grew a scientific working group that converted the underground spaces into a natural history museum. The museum officially opened on 1 September 1963. Since 2023 the managing vzw (non-profit association) has been called Natuurhistorisch Museum Boekenberg.

The collection covers palaeontology, mineralogy, prehistory and archaeology. The museum is considered one of the best privately run natural history museums and also attracts visitors from abroad. A team of volunteers looks after the museum, the cave complex and the Jagerstoren (hunting tower) in the park.

The caves are also an important hibernation site for bats. That is why the museum is only open in the summer season, and the Agency for Nature and Forest has recognised the cave as a bat-friendly site.

Highlights

• Fossils from the Precambrian to the Quaternary, including remains of mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, whales, sharks and dolphins from the Antwerp region
• More than 300 minerals and rocks, including a room of fluorescent minerals
• Prehistory in chronological order, with weapons, tools and artworks from the Stone Age
• Archaeological finds from medieval Antwerp
• Museum in a protected 18th-century cave complex with hibernating bats

Permanent exhibitions

• Paleontologie – An extensive collection of animal and plant fossils from the Precambrian to the Quaternary, including remains of mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, whales, sharks and dolphins from the Antwerp region.
• Mineralogie – More than 300 different minerals and rocks in all colours and shapes, with a separate room for fluorescent minerals.
• Prehistorie en archeologie – Weapons, tools and artworks from the Stone Age in chronological order, supplemented by everyday objects from medieval Antwerp.

Founded

1963

Operated by

Natuurhistorisch Museum Boekenberg vzw

Admission & discounts

Free admission also applies to members and sponsors of the museum, members of VolXmuseum Deurne (on presentation of their membership card) and holders of a teacher card (on presentation of the card).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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 cave can only be reached via a relatively steep staircase. Because the cave complex is protected, no adaptations can be made; the museum is therefore not accessible to wheelchair users.

Kids & families

In the museum shop there is a lucky dip with small minerals and fossils for the youngest visitors. In Boekenberg Park itself there is a playground with a climbing course.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Boekenberg Park, at the park entrance at the junction of Menegemlei, Sint-Rochusstraat and Eksterlaar (opposite Café Exter). At the end of the access road, follow the road to the left. If you come from the swimming pond, follow the sandy path beside the pond to the stone rock bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

In the museum shop you can buy minerals and fossils, such as amethyst, agate slices and shark teeth. For the youngest visitors there is a lucky dip with small minerals and fossils.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit