Stadsmuseum 't Schippershof

Stadsmuseum 't Schippershof is the city museum of Menen, a border town in West Flanders sitting right on the edge with France. It occupies a historic building that once served as an inn, dating back to the 17th century and standing in the very heart of the city on Rijselstraat. The name "Schippershof" (roughly "skippers' court") points to the building's original role as lodging for bargemen and travellers who used the local waterways.

How did the museum come to be?

For generations the building operated as an inn, a popular stop especially in the early 20th century. Everything changed during the First World War: with the front line only about 11 kilometres from Menen, the "Schippershof" was quickly repurposed into makeshift barracks. Cavalry units stabled their horses and found lodging there, and soldiers came to rest away from the fighting. This wartime chapter left a lasting mark on the building's history and is one of the themes explored in today's exhibitions.

The city council of Menen decided to purchase the building on 28 February 1986, with the goal of creating a space to display and preserve the city's artistic heritage. The museum in its current form has operated since 1998.

What is on display inside?

The collection is built around two main strands. The first is a historical and archaeological collection documenting the past of a town shaped by its position between two languages and cultures. The second is an extensive visual arts collection featuring artists connected to Menen, including sculptor Yvonne Serruys, painter and sculptor Georges Dobbels, and contemporary sculptor Johan Tahon.

The permanent exhibition centres on the rich history of this border city, touching on themes such as smuggling across the frontier, cross-border labour, the town's former fortifications, and the events of the First World War. Alongside the permanent display, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, often tied to the urban context or presenting larger visual art projects.

Who runs the museum, and how can you visit?

The museum is managed by Cultuurcentrum De Steiger, the local cultural centre, for which the "Schippershof" also serves as an exhibition venue and project space. The museum is located at Rijselstraat 77 in Menen.

Frequently asked questions

When is the museum open? Standard opening hours run Wednesday through Sunday, from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Visits outside these hours can be arranged by appointment.

Is admission free? Entry to the permanent collection is free, though some temporary exhibitions may charge an entrance fee.

What should visitors prioritise? The First World War chapter, when the building served as a military support post, is a highlight, alongside the works of local artists such as sculptor Yvonne Serruys.

How do you get to the museum? The museum sits in the centre of Menen at Rijselstraat 77, within easy walking distance of the town's other attractions.