Archeologisch Site Museum

Archeologisch Site Museum is a small archaeological museum in Werken, a village belonging to the municipality of Kortemark in the West Flanders province of Belgium. Located at Vladslostraat 9, it was founded in 1994 to present the results of excavations carried out in Werken and the surrounding area over the years.

What can visitors see inside?

Despite its compact size, the exhibition is built around four main strands of local history. The first is the Werken coin hoard — a collection of silver coins unearthed in 1889, presumed to have belonged to a Roman soldier. It remains one of the site's most notable finds and serves as a starting point for the story of Roman presence in the region.

The second theme centers on the motte of Hoge Andjoen, a medieval motte — an artificially raised defensive mound topped with a wooden or stone tower — typical of early medieval Flanders. The third strand is devoted to the abbey of Hemelsdale, a former monastery whose history is tied to the development of settlement in the area. The fourth part of the display covers Bronze Age burial mounds, earthen tumuli that testify to human settlement in the area several thousand years before our era.

What time period do the collections cover?

The collection spans finds from the Bronze Age through the Middle Ages, making the museum a compact overview of the area's archaeological history — from the earliest traces of settlement, through the period of Roman influence, to the feudal and monastic structures of medieval Flanders.

Does the museum offer programs for schools and groups?

Yes — the museum runs an educational program known as the Archeokoffer, or "archaeology case." It is aimed at students in the fourth through sixth grades of primary school and first-year secondary school students. The materials were developed in collaboration with the Flemish Heritage Agency (Onroerend Erfgoed) and the Province of West Flanders. The case contains typical tools used by archaeologists during excavations, along with replica pottery vessels, photographs documenting fieldwork, and information sheets that help students work through the material independently.

Who is this museum best suited for?

Given its modest scale and focus on local history, the Archeologisch Site Museum works best as a stop during a longer trip through the Kortemark region, particularly for visitors interested in archaeology and the history of medieval Flanders, as well as for school groups making use of the educational program. In a small format, it captures a rich, layered local history stretching from Roman times to the Middle Ages.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? At Vladslostraat 9 in Werken, in the municipality of Kortemark, West Flanders province.

When was the museum founded? In 1994.

What are the main themes of the exhibition? The Werken coin hoard, the motte of Hoge Andjoen, the abbey of Hemelsdale, and Bronze Age burial mounds.

Does the museum offer activities for children and teenagers? Yes, the Archeokoffer program is designed for primary school students and first-year secondary school students.