Stadsmuseum Zwijveke
City museum in the remains of the abbey of Zwijveke on the history of Dendermonde between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Stadsmuseum Zwijveke is located in the remains of the former Cistercian abbey of Zwijveke in Dendermonde. The abbey was founded in 1223 by Mathilde I. It was destroyed in 1667 and rebuilt within the town walls in 1671. Under French rule it was dissolved in 1797, its property was seized in 1798 and most of it was demolished.
The surviving buildings were protected in 1957. The town bought the grounds in 1969 and had them restored in 1979-1981, after which they received a cultural function. The museum opened in 1980. The permanent collection is displayed in the main hall, above a gallery more than thirty metres long.
The collection tells the history of Dendermonde from the eighteenth to the twentieth century: the French period, the fortress town of the Dutch period, the market town with port and railway, the fire brigade and the civic guard, justice and prison, and everyday life during both world wars. A special place is given to the missionary Pieter-Jan De Smet, of whom some objects are kept. The museum also has a specialist library, which can be consulted by appointment.
Highlights
- Abbey remains from the thirteenth century
- Main hall above a gallery of more than 30 metres
- Objects from the life of missionary Pieter-Jan De Smet
- Dendermonde in the French and Dutch periods and in both world wars
- Specialist library (by appointment)
Permanent exhibition
- Dendermonde van de Franse tijd tot de wereldoorlogen – The permanent display shows objects on town defence, the market, port and railway, the fire brigade, justice, the life of Pieter-Jan De Smet and everyday life during both world wars.
- Founded
- 1980
- Operated by
- Stad Dendermonde
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
According to the offer for schools (Klasse), the museum can be visited free of charge; an appointment is nevertheless required.
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 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
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits by appointment only. For classes from the age of 6 there are workshops led by subject experts, linked to history and worldviews; book via educatiemusea@dendermonde.be. The library can also be consulted by appointment. |
