Musée de l'Ostrevant

About the museum

Since 1973 the museum has occupied the Tour d’Ostrevant, on the first and second floors. It is run by the association “Les Amis de Bouchain et de son Musée”. For safety reasons the third floor is no longer accessible, although 12th-century remains survive there.

The tower was built in the second half of the 12th century by Baldwin IV, Count of Hainaut, for his son Baldwin V. It served as a seigneurial residence and a defensive site, then, after 1530, as an artillery battery under Charles V; Vauban modernised the defences after 1676. The town’s fortifications were dismantled in 1894, but the tower was preserved. In May 1940 the 45th Infantry Regiment held out there for eight days, and in June Hitler came to have the battles of the Scheldt (Escaut) explained to him. The tower has been a listed historic monument since 1981.

The museum holds the “Musée de France” label and traces the town’s history, notably the fighting of the Second World War and Hitler’s visit in June 1940. It also keeps works from the former church of Bouchain and objects from everyday life in the early 20th century, particularly rural life and inland waterway transport.

Highlights

• Visit to the Tour d’Ostrevant, a 12th-century keep and listed monument
• History of Bouchain and the fighting of the Second World War
• Objects from inland waterway transport and traditional crafts
• Works from the former church of Bouchain
• Souvenirs of the post office and the Harmonie of Bouchain

Permanent exhibitions

• Rez-de-chaussée : batellerie et vie d'autrefois – Objects from inland waterway transport, from everyday life in past centuries and from traditional trades such as the saddler or the joiner.
• Premier étage : souvenirs de guerre et mémoire locale – Souvenirs of both World Wars, including documents on Hitler’s visit in 1940, and objects from the post office and the Harmonie of Bouchain.

Founded

1973

Operated by

Association « Les Amis de Bouchain et de son Musée »

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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

The tower’s third floor is closed to visitors for safety reasons; only the ground floor and the first floor can be visited.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Tour d’Ostrevant, rue d’Ostrevant, in Bouchain.

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