Zoldermuseum "Schaliënhoeve"

Zoldermuseum "Schaliënhoeve" is a small local heritage museum in the Berchem district of Antwerp, housed in the attic of the historic Schaliënhoeve farmstead. It is run by Kring voor Heemkunde Berchem, a local history association, and its collection focuses on the everyday heritage of old Berchem.

What is the Schaliënhoeve?

The Schaliënhoeve is the last surviving historic farm of Berchem. The district was once a rural municipality with numerous farmsteads, of which only this one has been preserved to the present day. Its brick sections date back to 1619. The farm was still inhabited at the start of 1970, but once its last residents moved out, local authorities decided to save it from demolition — the fate that had already befallen other Berchem farms cleared away to make room for new streets. Following a heritage assessment, the building was restored and given a new purpose.

What can visitors see?

The museum occupies the attic floor of the left-hand building of the Park West complex, directly above the Schaliënhoeve itself. Much of the collection comes from donations by Berchem residents, who over the years have handed the association keepsakes tied to the district's past. Highlights include banners of local associations — a particular source of pride for the collection — alongside porcelain, glassware, toys, tools from various historic trades, and lighting fixtures. Works by artists connected to Berchem also have their own place in the display. The museum is complemented by a local heritage library, which gathers documents and publications on the district's history.

Because the museum sits in an attic with no lift access, it is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Who runs the museum?

The Zoldermuseum is maintained by Kring voor Heemkunde Berchem, a volunteer-run local history society. It was this association's efforts that turned the farmstead's attic into an exhibition space after 1970, giving the Schaliënhoeve a new role as a place where the district's collective memory is kept alive.

When can you visit?

The museum is open on every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Visits on other days can be arranged in advance by phone.

Where is it located?

The Zoldermuseum is located within the Domein Park West, in the left-hand building of the complex, on the attic floor. The complex sits next to the Berchem Sport football stadium, a reminder of the still-rural character this part of the district once had.

Frequently asked questions

Is the museum wheelchair accessible? No — because it is located in an attic, the museum is not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

How much does admission cost? The museum is run by a local volunteer association, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm current entry conditions before a visit.

Do I need to book in advance? Not on regular opening days (the second and fourth Sunday of the month), but a phone call is needed to arrange a visit on any other day.

Why is the building called Schaliënhoeve? The name refers to the farm's slate roof ("schalie" in Dutch), a building material typical of historic farmsteads in this region.