Literair Museum

Literair Museum is a small, intimate museum of children's literature housed in a historic townhouse at Bampslaan 35 in Hasselt, in the Flemish province of Limburg. The museum has occupied this building since 1997 and carried its original name, Literair Museum, from 1983 until 2017, when it was renamed Villa Verbeelding ("Villa of Imagination"). Despite the name change, many guides and maps still refer to it by its historic name, so visitors may come across either version when planning a trip.

What is on display inside?

The museum was designed primarily with children in mind, though its focus on book illustration and regional history also appeals to adults. Each room of the townhouse is dedicated to a different theme connected to literature, books, and illustration, turning a visit into a journey through a series of distinct "book worlds." The permanent exhibition blends interactive elements with more traditional museum presentation, which matters especially for younger visitors who engage with literature through play as much as through looking.

What do the individual rooms focus on?

One room is built around a fairy-tale theme centered on eating and drinking, a motif that recurs frequently in classic children's stories. Elsewhere in the building, visitors find so-called peep boxes — small viewing displays showing miniature scenes — paired with information about children's book authors and illustrators. A more unusual feature is a cellar arranged as a "mine," referencing the region's coal-mining history in Limburg; this blending of local heritage with literary content is one of the museum's distinctive traits. A separate display walks visitors step by step through how a book is made, from initial idea through illustration to printing and binding, making the museum a useful educational stop for school groups.

Does the museum's program change over time?

Alongside its permanent exhibition, Literair Museum / Villa Verbeelding regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, which means the museum rewards repeat visits as its program is refreshed with new topics related to children's literature and illustration. This format allows the museum to function not only as a fixed tourist attraction but also as an active cultural venue within the city.

Who is this museum for?

The museum is aimed primarily at families with children and school groups, but its strong focus on illustration and its regional touches, such as the mining-themed cellar, also make it worthwhile for adults exploring Hasselt without children who are looking for a lower-key, character-filled cultural stop. The setting inside a historic townhouse adds atmosphere to the visit — the building itself is part of the experience, not just a backdrop for the exhibits.

Frequently asked questions

Are Literair Museum and Villa Verbeelding the same place? Yes. The name Literair Museum was used from 1983 to 2017, after which the venue was renamed Villa Verbeelding — it remains the same building at Bampslaan 35 in Hasselt.

Is the museum suitable for young children? Yes, the exhibition was designed with children in mind, with themed, interactive rooms that make it easy for younger visitors to engage with the content.

Does the museum host temporary exhibitions? Yes, in addition to its permanent displays, the museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, so it is worth checking the current program before visiting.

What is in the museum's cellar? The cellar is arranged around the theme of coal mining in Limburg, an unusual pairing of regional heritage with the museum's literary focus.