Villa Verbeelding

About the museum

The museum began in 1983 as the Literair Museum. Since 1997 it has been housed in a townhouse at Bampslaan 35 in Hasselt, close to the station. In 2017 it was renamed Villa Verbeelding (Villa Imagination). The house developed into the only organisation in Flanders that works on children's literature and illustration on a permanent, professional basis.

In the townhouse each room has its own theme around books and illustration. There are permanent exhibitions, such as De Illustratiekamer (The Illustration Room), with mini studios by eight Flemish illustrators, and De ABC kamer (The ABC Room), with an illustrated alphabet by 26 illustrators, as well as temporary exhibitions about picture books. Each exhibition has an educational programme for children, young people and schools.

Outside the house runs De Illustratieroute (The Illustration Route), a free 3 km walk through Hasselt's city centre past giant illustrations on façades. The house also organises masterclasses, a Summer School and the illustration festival De Verbeelders. Together with IBBY Flanders it puts together the Flemish selection for the Biennale of Illustration Bratislava. The organisation is supported by Literatuur Vlaanderen and the City of Hasselt.

Highlights

• De Illustratiekamer: eight illustration cabinets with mini studios of Flemish illustrators
• De ABC kamer: an illustrated alphabet by 26 illustrators
• De Illustratieroute: 3 km of walking past giant illustrations in the city centre
• Changing exhibitions on picture books and illustrators
• Townhouse with a theme room for each exhibition

Permanent exhibitions

• De Illustratiekamer – In eight illustration cabinets you discover the mini studios of Flemish illustrators, with original drawings, sketches, objects, a short film and tasks to do.
• De ABC kamer – An illustrated alphabet for which 26 illustrators from Belgium and abroad each designed a letter; visitors can experiment with letters themselves.
• De Illustratieroute – A free 3 km walk (about 1.5 hours) past giant illustrations by Flemish illustrators in Hasselt's city centre, with interactive tasks.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

Rates from age 26: €8. With a HasPas voucher admission is free. Villa Verbeelding does not accept the Museumpas. Tickets are preferably booked online with a date and time slot, especially during school holidays.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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 townhouse has limited accessibility: there are many stairs and a lift is not possible. For people with physical disabilities, the stairs may be a problem.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available

At each exhibition there is an educational programme with tasks for children, and there are open workshops and an art weekend for children. The upper floors cannot be reached with a pushchair; it can stay on the ground floor. For a baby, bring a sling for the stairs.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells picture books, cards and posters.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 60 guests.

Spaces can be requested for your own literary activities; the public attic space holds up to 60 seated people.

Plan your visit