Pionier Blockhaus 14-18
Small museum in a German blockhouse from 1917 in the centre of Comines, devoted to the German sappers ("Pioniere") of the Great War.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Pionier Blockhaus is the only surviving witness of the German occupation during the First World War in Comines-Warneton. German military engineers built it in 1917, in the centre of the town: a single-storey concrete structure with narrow corridors linking cramped rooms, which served as an artillery post. It was part of the network of blockhouses in the Lys valley sector, close to the front.
Long forgotten and buried under rubble, the blockhouse was uncovered again. A group of enthusiasts converted it into a small museum. The display is devoted to the engineers: it presents a collection of objects, tools and instruments used by the Pioniere, specialised units responsible for maintaining communications, fortifying lines, setting up depots and destroying British positions. Their tasks were comparable to those of the British Engineers and the Belgian military engineers.
Highlights
- Only witness of the German occupation in Comines-Warneton
- 1917 concrete blockhouse with narrow corridors
- Objects, tools and instruments of the German sappers (Pioniere)
Permanent exhibition
- Scénographie consacrée au génie allemand – Small museum in the blockhouse with a collection of objects, tools and instruments of the Pioniere, the German sappers of the Great War.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Free for children under 10. |
Free for veterans.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
Concrete structure with narrow corridors and cramped rooms.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours only, by reservation, from 1 May to 30 November. |
