Museum De Schuur

Museum De Schuur is a small local heritage museum in Bazel, a village within the municipality of Kruibeke in East Flanders, Belgium, housed in a former barn once used for drying osier withies, standing close to the grounds of Wissekerke Castle. The building itself, put up around the mid-19th century for Count Philippe Vilain XIIII, owner of the nearby estate, stands out in the flat polder landscape thanks to its unusual "Swiss-style" architecture, which the count is said to have picked up on his travels across Europe. The distinctive timber-and-brick structure remains one of the recognisable landmarks in the centre of Bazel today.

Why a barn for drying willow branches?

The area around Bazel, and the wider Scheldt polder region, was known for centuries for growing osier willow ("wijmen") and for a thriving basket-weaving craft. Willow shoots harvested along the riverbanks had to be dried before basket makers could work with them, and that drying process is exactly what the original building was built for. The size and careful construction of the barn reflect how economically significant this branch of local craft once was for a polder community that depended heavily on it.

What can visitors see inside today?

Toward the end of the 20th century the old drying barn was converted into a museum dedicated to agricultural heritage and everyday life in Kruibeke through the ages. The collection includes a substantial set of historical farming tools, a reconstructed blacksmith's forge, and objects tied to local industry and domestic life. The overall feel is intimate and community-driven rather than that of a large national museum — this is a place run with genuine local pride in the area's own history.

Is there somewhere to sit down afterwards?

Yes — the museum has its own cafetaria, where visitors can relax with a coffee or a drink after the visit. It's staffed by local volunteers, which gives the place a warm, neighbourly atmosphere that's harder to find in more heavily touristed attractions.

How do you actually visit Museum De Schuur?

The museum is run by a local non-profit association (vzw) and relies largely on volunteer staffing, so opening hours are limited. As a rule, the museum and cafetaria are open on Sundays from 11:00 AM. Visits during the week are possible by prior arrangement, mainly for groups of 20 or more, which makes the museum a good fit for school outings, senior groups, or local heritage society visits.

Who is this museum for?

Museum De Schuur will appeal most to anyone curious about the agricultural and craft history of the Scheldt polder region, to visitors who want to see an authentic 19th-century farm building with unusual architecture, or to travellers taking a quiet walk around Bazel and the grounds of Wissekerke Castle. It pairs well with a broader visit to Kruibeke, giving context on how the polder village economy worked before the area became part of Antwerp's wider metropolitan surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Museum De Schuur located? In Bazel, a village that belongs to the municipality of Kruibeke, in the East Flanders province of Belgium, near the former Wissekerke Castle estate.

What was the building originally used for? It was a barn for drying osier willow withies ("wijmendroogschuur"), built in the 19th century for Count Philippe Vilain XIIII in a style inspired by Swiss architecture.

Is the museum open every day? No — it's normally open only on Sundays from 11:00 AM. Weekday visits require advance booking, usually for groups of 20 or more.

What exhibits does the museum have? A collection of historical farming tools, a reconstructed blacksmith's forge, and displays on local economic history and everyday life in Kruibeke.