Openluchtmuseum Bachten de Kupe
Open-air museum in Izenberge with a rebuilt West Flemish village: farm, school, bakery, smithy, inn and other authentic buildings.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
In 1958 the Regionale Heemkring Bachten de Kupe (regional local history circle) was founded to preserve the heritage of the ancestors, as many traditional tools and historical memories were in danger of being lost. The collection started as a small regional museum in Veurne. The dream of a West Flemish open-air museum after the example of Bokrijk became reality in 1970, when the first rebuilt barn in Izenberge was completed.
Since then the museum has grown into an authentic village behind the church of Izenberge. Along the old cobbled lanes you pass shops, a school, a bakery, a smithy, a shoemaker, an inn and a Houtlandse hoeve (Houtland farm). The oldest authentic building dates from 1650.
The museum shows everyday life and the crafts of the past. Visitors can, for example, felt wool or churn butter. During events such as the Dag van de ambachten (Crafts Day), traditional craftspeople work on site and old folk games are played.
Highlights
- Rebuilt West Flemish village with authentic buildings, the oldest from 1650
- Houtlandse hoeve, school, bakery, smithy and shoemaker
- Village inn ‘t Oud Wethuys with regional beer
- Photo treasure hunt with Stekel de Egel and a treasure hunt for children
- Events with craftspeople and folk games
Permanent exhibition
- Openluchtmuseum Bachten de Kupe – A rebuilt village with shops, a school, a bakery, a smithy, an inn and a Houtland farm, with crafts and traditions of the past.
- Founded
- 1970
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5.50People aged 65 and over and children aged 7 to 12 |
| Children & teens | €5.50Children aged 7 to 12 pay €5.50. |
| Seniors | €5.50From 65 years |
| Groups (16+ people) | €5.50 per personGroups of more than 15 people pay €5.50 per person; schools €3.50 per pupil. A visit with a guide costs an extra €50 and must be booked. |
| School visit, per pupil | €3.50 |
| Visit with guide (surcharge per group) | €50Reservation required |
The admission price may differ at special events. Payment by bank card is possible.
Accessibility
- Partially 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 lanes are paved with cobblestones. A large part has been recently re-laid, so the museum is largely accessible to wheelchair users. Some buildings have stairs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
Children discover the museum with a photo treasure hunt with Stekel de Egel and a treasure hunt for traces of the past. There is a playground. During school visits and theme activities, children can felt wool or churn butter themselves.
Getting there & parking
By car
There is no car park of its own; there are sufficient parking spaces at the church of Izenberge.
The museum lies hidden behind the church of Izenberge. Take the lime avenue next to the church to the monumental entrance gate.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Village inn ‘t Oud Wethuys with coffee, soft drinks and regional beer. Dogs on leads are welcome in the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Allow about one and a half hours for a visit; those who want to see everything can spend many hours. You can explore the museum yourself or with a guide (reservation required). Schools can choose from programmes such as Lol met wol, Van melk tot boter, Van akker tot bakker, De klas van toen and exciting treasure hunts. The museum also organises events, such as Crafts Day. |
