Provinciaal streekcentrum Huysmanhoeve

About the museum

The Huysmanhoeve is a heritage site in the Meetjesland. The gatehouse dates from the thirteenth century, and the farmstead originated as a land-reclamation farm. Over eight centuries the site has undergone many changes. It consists of a protected monument, a protected village view, farmland and a high-stem orchard.

In 2010 the Province of East Flanders appointed the vzw Plattelandscentrum Meetjesland as manager of the provincial regional centre. Today you will find a tourist information office of Toerisme Meetjesland, the Streekcafé in a restored barn, a collection of folk games in the old stables, boerengolf (farmers' golf) and exhibitions.

In the former cowshed, the exhibition “Landbouw: verleden, heden en toekomst” is on show. Above the information office you find a permanent exhibition and a projection table by “Woeste Hoogten” about the origin of the Meetjesland. A walking trail, a heritage app with audio walks and a brochure tell the story of the farmstead.

Highlights

• Exhibition “Landbouw: verleden, heden en toekomst” in the former cowshed
• Collection of folk games in the stable, free to try
• Boerengolf (farmers' golf), krulbollen and a treasure hunt for children
• Streekcafé in a restored barn with a terrace
• Thirteenth-century gatehouse and heritage walk with app

Permanent exhibitions

• Landbouw: verleden, heden en toekomst – Exhibition in the former cowshed about how farming has changed over the past centuries.
• Woeste Hoogten – Permanent exhibition and projection table above the information office about the origin of the Meetjesland.
• Collectie volksspelen – The old stable houses a large collection of folk games, which you can try for free.

Operated by

Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen (beheer: vzw Plattelandscentrum Meetjesland)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

All exhibitions are free, as are the collection of folk games, the krulbollen, the treasure hunt and the audio walks via the heritage app. With UiTPAS Meetjesland there are discounts on paid activities and workshops.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The information office, the Streekcafé with terrace, the folk games hall and the cowshed with the Landbouw exhibition are easily accessible. Parts of the farmstead can only be reached via unpaved paths (Bakhuis, Plukveld, Boomgaard, Bijenhal). The upper floors above the information office, with the permanent exhibition and projection table, can only be reached by stairs. Dogs on a lead are welcome. A snoezel backpack for people with an autism spectrum disorder can be borrowed free of charge at the information office and the Streekcafé.

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 are welcome: there is a large toilet with a changing corner, high chairs in the Streekcafé, natural play equipment on the terrace, a free treasure hunt for children and an activity course about heating with wood chips (with a tool belt and tasks).

Getting there & parking

Address: bus 1, in a side street of Peperstraat. The farmstead lies between cycling junction points 56 and 87.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Streekcafé with terrace and a small lunch menu. The information office sells regional products, tourist books and gift baskets.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Rooms for meetings or brainstorming; catering is possible for groups of more than 10 people.

Plan your visit