Kortrijk 1302

Kortrijk 1302 is a modern, interactive museum dedicated to the Battle of the Golden Spurs, standing almost exactly on the spot where the fate of medieval Flanders was decided on 11 July 1302, right in the historic heart of the city.

What does the exhibition cover?

Rather than a traditional gallery of glass cases, the museum relies on multimedia storytelling — short films, interactive installations and audiovisual displays that guide visitors through the events leading up to the battle, its course and its aftermath for the region. Alongside these modern formats, the museum also displays authentic period artefacts, including armour and weapons used by both sides of the conflict.

What does a visit look like?

One of the exhibition's signature features is a twelve-metre-long experience table, where visitors can follow scale models showing how the clash between the French army and the Flemish militia unfolded. The museum also lets guests try on pieces of knightly armour and experience the battle from two contrasting points of view — that of a French knight and that of a Flemish weaver — highlighting that the confrontation was as much a social clash as a military one.

Why does the 1302 battle matter?

Fought on 11 July 1302 near Kortrijk as part of the Franco-Flemish War, the battle pitted a poorly equipped Flemish force, made up largely of townsmen and craftsmen, against the mounted French knights, then regarded as one of the strongest armies in Europe. Against expectations, the Flemish side won. The golden spurs taken from the defeated French knights on the battlefield gave the clash its name and became a lasting symbol of the unexpected victory, one that still shapes regional identity today.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum located? Kortrijk 1302 is located in the historic centre of Kortrijk, right next to the site where the battle took place.

Is the exhibition interactive? Yes, the museum is built mainly around multimedia content, interactive installations and a large experience table rather than traditional display cases.

What period does the exhibition focus on? The exhibition centres on the 1302 Battle of the Golden Spurs and the broader context of the medieval County of Flanders and the Franco-Flemish War.

Can visitors see authentic period objects? Yes, alongside the multimedia displays the museum exhibits original artefacts, including armour and weapons from the time of the battle.

Who is the museum aimed at? The exhibition is designed to appeal to both history enthusiasts and families with children thanks to its interactive, accessible format.