Romeins Archeologisch Museum Oudenburg

About the museum

In Roman times Oudenburg was a military coastal post with a fort. Around 1084 a monk of the local abbey described how much material from the ancient fortress was reused when the abbey church was built. That account is regarded as the oldest known excavation report of an archaeological site in Belgium.

In 1956 Professor Jozef Mertens put Oudenburg on the archaeological map with his excavations in the fort and in the cemetery of the last garrison. His work was the start of a series of research projects, continued into the 2000s by Belgian and Flemish government bodies, the city of Oudenburg and later also by commercial archaeology.

Since 1987 the Abbey Building has housed the collection from the Late Roman cemetery. In 2009 the museum reopened with a completely renewed and expanded display, which also included finds from other excavations in and around the fort, including from the Spegelaere site. In 2023 and 2024 the museum underwent a thorough makeover with a new presentation and more to experience.

The museum focuses on the Late Roman fort and the Late Roman period, and sees itself as the only museum in Belgium with those two themes as its main subjects. The collection is considered one of the most important collections from the Late Roman period in Western Europe. Education and experience come first, with workshops, guided tours, town walks and events such as the Romeins Weekend.

Highlights

• Late Roman cemetery of the last garrison of the fort
• Finds from the Roman fort of Oudenburg and other excavations
• Reference collection from the Late Roman period in Western Europe
• Activity booklet and audio guide for families with children
• Town walk along the outline of the fort

Permanent exhibition

• Vaste collectie: het Laat-Romeinse fort van Oudenburg – The display shows finds from the fort, the cemetery of the last garrison and other excavations, and tells the story of military and everyday life in Roman Oudenburg.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Stad Oudenburg

Admission & discounts

With the museum pass or an ICOM card admission is free. The museum also has a social rate of €4. Tickets can be bought online.

Accessibility

• 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 museum is easily accessible for wheelchair users; the route is the same as for other visitors. Feel free to ask the reception staff for help. The museum focuses on autism-friendly operation and is preparing a brochure for an autism-friendly visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Families follow an audio guide for young and old, solve puzzles with an activity booklet, or go on a treasure hunt with the youngest children. Children can put on a Roman costume. The activity pack “Geef Acht” (from 6 years old) costs €1. There is a counter adapted for children and a baby changing table; in the last room there are real skeletons. In Abbey Park there is a play structure based on the gate of the Roman camp.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Abbey Park at the corner of the Marktstraat and the Abdijlaan, between Bruges and Ostend. Take the motorway exit Oudenburg and follow the signs. By bike you reach the museum via cycle junction node 62; there is a public bicycle pump and a free charging point for electric bicycles.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The museum café is open only in July and August; all year round you can stop at the coffee corner after your visit for coffee, hot chocolate or soup. At the nearby Abbey Farm site there are catering businesses. The museum shop sells publications, Roman clothing, toys, jewellery and its own merchandise.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit