Science and education in Belgium

Space Pole

Uccle - Ukkel

Space Pole in Uccle is a scientific complex on the southern edge of Brussels where three Belgian research institutions dedicated to astronomy, meteorology and atmospheric physics share a single site. It is a place where a history reaching back to the late 19th century meets present-day research into climate and outer space, and it also houses one of the region's more interesting planetariums. What institutions make up Space Pole? The complex brings together the Royal Observatory of Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. Each institute pursues its own research programme, but they operate side by side on shared grounds in Uccle, together forming one of Belgium's most important centres for Earth and space sciences. Why is the complex located in Uccle? The Royal Observatory of Belgium was founded in January 1883 on the initiative of Adolphe Quetelet, originally in the Brussels municipality of Saint-Josse. In 1889 the Observatory relocated to Uccle, where it has remained ever since. The move at the turn of the 20th century was driven by the need to distance observation instruments from the noise and lights of central Brussels. When did the aeronomy institute join the site? The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy was created much later, on 25 November 1964. It was established right next to the already existing Observatory and Meteorological Institute, completing the trio of institutions that has made up Space Pole ever since. This institute focuses on studying the upper layers of the atmosphere and the influence of the Sun on Earth. Can visitors tour Space Pole? Yes — the site includes a Planetarium, open to the public as part of its educational offerings. In addition, Open Days are organised every year, during which the institutions open their laboratories and instruments to a wider audience. It is a chance to see up close the equipment scientists use in their daily work and to learn more about ongoing research. What is the purpose of these institutions? The three institutes that make up Space Pole collaborate within international scientific frameworks. Their shared goal is to study planet Earth and its environment, understand how the Sun influences processes on Earth, and carry out observations of the sky and the cosmos. Work carried out in Uccle therefore combines classical astronomy with modern climate and atmospheric research. What is the historical significance of this site? Space Pole stands out for its long scientific continuity — the Royal Observatory of Belgium marks its 200th anniversary in 2026, counting from the origins of the institution it descends from. This anniversary highlights just how long a research tradition this complex represents, even though it has physically operated at its current Uccle location only since 1889. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Space Pole located? In Uccle, on the southern side of Brussels, at the site where the Royal Observatory of Belgium has operated since 1889. How many institutions make up Space Pole? Three: the Royal Observatory of Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. Is Space Pole open to visitors? Yes, it houses a Planetarium, and Open Days are held once a year giving access to laboratories and scientific instruments. When was the Institute for Space Aeronomy founded? On 25 November 1964, as the third institution to join the already existing Observatory and Meteorological Institute.

Geosite Goudberg

Hoegaarden

Geosite Goudberg is a small open-air educational park in Hoegaarden, in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium, home to one of Western Europe's most remarkable petrified forests. The site works as an outdoor geology museum, built around fossil tree trunks that are almost 55 million years old. Getting there Geosite Goudberg sits on the Goudberg hill right next to the E40 motorway connecting Brussels and Liège, just outside the town of Hoegaarden itself — a town far better known worldwide for its wheat beer than for its geology. The easiest way to reach the park is by car, as it lies in open countryside on the edge of town rather than in the historic centre. It makes a fitting stop for anyone touring the Leuven or Tienen area who wants a break from the usual churches and castles. How did a stone forest end up here? The story begins in 1970, when construction work on the E40 motorway exposed dozens of petrified tree trunks buried in layers of clay and silt. The find turned out to be exceptional on a global scale: the remains of a subtropical swamp forest dating back nearly 55 million years, to the Palaeocene epoch. Swamp cypresses once grew here, trees suited to the warm, waterlogged conditions that covered this part of Europe long before today's temperate landscape took shape. Petrification happened as silica gradually replaced the wood, molecule by molecule, turning the trunks into stone while preserving the internal grain and structure of the original timber. Full excavation of the site didn't take place until March 2000, when specimens were carefully lifted from the clay and silt deposits. Some of the largest trunks were sent to scientific institutions for further study and display — two to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, and another to Museum Naturalis in Leiden, the Netherlands. What you'll find on site The park opened to visitors on 20 June 2003 and has functioned ever since as an open-air geological exhibition. A walking path leads past the petrified trunks that remain in place, with information panels explaining both the fossilisation process and the story of the 1970 discovery. The whole setup is designed to make 55 million years of regional geological history accessible to a general audience, tracing the shift from a subtropical swamp to the temperate landscape of Flemish Brabant seen today. Given the scale and preservation of the exposed trunks, Geosite Goudberg is regularly counted among the world's leading petrified forest sites. It offers a rare chance to see, without any specialist background, physical proof of just how radically Europe's climate and landscape have changed over tens of millions of years. Who is it for? Geosite Goudberg suits anyone curious about geology or natural history, but it also works well as a family outing — the grounds are open, flat and require no special preparation. Many visitors combine the stop with a visit to Hoegaarden itself, including a taste of the local wheat beer that gave the town its international reputation. Frequently asked questions What is Geosite Goudberg? It's an educational park in Hoegaarden, Belgium, showcasing a petrified forest of swamp cypresses nearly 55 million years old, uncovered during construction of the E40 motorway. When were the petrified trees discovered? The first trunks were exposed in 1970 during motorway construction work, with full excavation carried out in March 2000. Since when has the park been open to the public? Geosite Goudberg opened to visitors on 20 June 2003. Are all the discovered trunks still on site? No — several of the largest specimens were transferred to scientific institutions, including the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels and Museum Naturalis in Leiden.

Natuurhistorisch Museum Boekenberg

Antwerpia

Natuurhistorisch Museum Boekenberg is one of the more unusual small museums near Antwerp — instead of a conventional building, it occupies a network of artificial underground passages and caves tucked beneath Boekenbergpark in the Deurne district. Descending into these tunnels to view a collection covering paleontology, mineralogy, archaeology, and prehistory is part of what makes a visit here memorable. Where did the underground tunnels come from? The site's story begins in the 18th century, when the wealthy banker Jan Willem Smets acquired the nearby Boekenberg manor. He commissioned an arched stone bridge topped with a hunting tower styled as a picturesque ruin, along with an elaborate network of artificial caves that included an underground boathouse and an ice cellar. Ornamental follies like these were a fashionable way for wealthy landowners of the period to embellish their estates, designed to surprise visitors and signal status. After the death of the estate's last resident, geologist and archaeologist Paul Cogels, the Boekenberg property passed to the municipality of Deurne in 1912, which turned the grounds into a public park. How did the museum come about? It took another half-century for the underground complex to find its current purpose. On 1 September 1963, the cave system was entrusted to the Speleologische Stichting Deurne (Deurne Speleological Foundation), which took the unusual step of installing a natural history museum inside the 19th-century underground structures, pairing historic architecture with an educational mission. What is on display? The subterranean halls and corridors hold a permanent exhibition built around four core themes: paleontology, mineralogy, archaeology, and prehistory. The objects on show span an unusually wide timeframe, ranging from the Precambrian era all the way to the 16th century AD — a chronological range that sets the collection apart from many small regional museums. A particular highlight is the fossil collection drawn from the Antwerp area itself. Among the pieces are fragments of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, and whale-like creatures, remnants of the Ice Age and earlier geological periods when the region looked dramatically different from today's urban landscape. Where exactly is it located? Boekenbergpark, home to the museum, sits in the Deurne district on the edge of Antwerp. The museum entrance to the park lies near the junction of Menegemlei, Sint-Rochusstraat, and Eksterlaar, directly across from Café Exter. Frequently asked questions Is the museum really located underground? Yes — the exhibition occupies artificial tunnels and caves originally built in the 18th century as part of the ornamental garden architecture of the Boekenberg estate. Which exhibits draw the most attention? The fossil collection from the Antwerp region is the biggest draw, including fragments of mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses. Since when has the museum operated in its current form? Since 1 September 1963, when the underground complex was handed over to the Speleologische Stichting Deurne, which established the museum there. Is it worth combining a visit with a walk through the park? Definitely — Boekenbergpark itself is a notable 19th-century landscape garden, still featuring relics of the old estate such as the arched stone bridge and the hunting tower.

Bosmuseum Gerhagen

Tessenderlo

Bosmuseum Gerhagen is a small nature museum located at the foot of the Zandberg hill, right in the middle of the Gerhagen nature reserve in Tessenderlo, in the Belgian province of Limburg. It is run by Werkgroep Ecologie Tessenderlo (WET), a local organization that has looked after both the museum and the surrounding woodland for decades. How the museum came to be The story of Bosmuseum goes back to the late 1970s. In 1979 an opportunity arose to take over the old cafeteria that had belonged to the local tourism office (VVV). With support from the municipality of Tessenderlo, the first version of the Bosmuseum opened its doors in 1980. As visitor numbers grew, the organizers began planning a larger, purpose-built facility. Construction of a new museum building started in 1989. Gerhagen was the natural choice of location, since the site already held the collection of natural history specimens that would form the basis of the exhibition. In 2004 the museum underwent its first major expansion, adding an extra exhibition hall and updating the entire display and layout. An even more thorough renovation followed years later, culminating on May 31, 2015, when the newly renovated Bosmuseum reopened to the public in its current form. What's inside The centerpiece of the museum is the permanent exhibition "van ei tot ei" (from egg to egg), which guides visitors through the world of birds in an engaging and accessible way — from nesting and hatching through to adult life in the wild. The display includes an extensive collection of mounted birds and mammals, nests, and eggs, covering roughly 200 bird species. This makes the Bosmuseum a valuable educational stop for children and adults alike who want to learn about the region's wildlife. Beyond the exhibition The museum also serves as an information point for anyone planning to explore the Gerhagen reserve further. Staff can provide details on walking paths, horse-riding trails, and cycling routes that wind through the surrounding forests and heathland. Families with children can borrow so-called "silence bags" or "whisper bags" — kits designed to encourage quiet, mindful exploration of nature during a walk. Guided tours are also available: a group of up to 25 visitors can book a tour for a modest fee of around 20 euros, a popular option among school groups and organized parties visiting the area. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Bosmuseum Gerhagen located? The museum is located at Zavelberg 10 in Tessenderlo, at the foot of the Zandberg hill, within the Gerhagen nature reserve. Who manages the museum? It is run by Werkgroep Ecologie Tessenderlo (WET), an organization focused on nature conservation and environmental education in the area. Can visitors see live animals at Bosmuseum? No — the exhibition is based on mounted specimens of birds and mammals, along with nests and eggs, illustrating the biodiversity of Gerhagen's forests and heathland. Are guided tours available? Yes, guided tours of the museum and surrounding grounds are offered for groups of up to 25 people. When was the museum last renovated? The most recent major renovation was completed on May 31, 2015, when the renewed Bosmuseum reopened to visitors.

Kina

Kina (De Wereld van Kina, "The World of Kina") is a natural science museum for children and young people in Ghent, Belgium, spread across two locations: the House (het Huis) and the Garden (de Tuin). In 2026 the institution celebrates its 100th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running educational venues of its kind in the city. Where is Kina located? The House location occupies a side wing of St. Peter's Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij), one of Ghent's historic monastic complexes. This setting gives the museum an unusual character — natural science exhibits displayed within centuries-old, originally religious architecture. The Garden, the museum's second site, is located elsewhere in the city and focuses on plants and outdoor ecosystems. What can visitors see at Kina: the House? The House is a natural science museum aimed primarily at children, though it also attracts adults interested in nature. Its exhibition traces the history of life on Earth — from primordial times to the present — using a collection of fossils. Among the highlights is a unique fossil of a prehistoric reptile, one of the museum's signature pieces. The museum also devotes considerable space to invertebrates, with collections of butterflies and shells presented in a way accessible to young visitors. A separate section is dedicated to native birds, displayed in an elaborate diorama room that recreates their natural habitats. Kina additionally covers human biology, introducing children to the basics of how their own bodies work. A defining feature of the House is its interactive exhibition of rocks and minerals, comprising thousands of specimens. The museum's approach is built around learning through experience — exhibits can be touched, and displays are designed to engage children's senses and curiosity rather than simply being viewed from behind glass. What makes Kina's Garden distinctive? The second location, the Garden, is a living outdoor nature museum. It contains around 1,500 plant species arranged in thematic beds, including medicinal plants, dye plants (historically used to produce natural pigments), and plantings that recreate forest and dune environments. The Garden lets children explore botany and ecology hands-on, observing plants in conditions close to their natural habitats. Who is Kina for? The museum's profile is clearly educational and family-oriented — its programming targets children and young people first and foremost, though the interactive nature of the exhibits makes it a strong choice for families visiting Ghent more broadly. The combination of a historic abbey setting with a hands-on approach to science education makes Kina an unusual entry on the city's list of attractions. Frequently asked questions Is Kina one place or two? It is two connected locations in Ghent — the House (het Huis) next to St. Peter's Abbey, and the Garden (de Tuin), each covering different aspects of nature. How old is the museum? In 2026, Kina marks its 100th anniversary. Can you see fossils at Kina: the House? Yes, the collection includes a unique fossil of a prehistoric reptile alongside a broad exhibition on the history of life on Earth. How many plants grow in Kina's Garden? Around 1,500 species, arranged in thematic beds (medicinal, dye, forest, and dune plants).

Aquarium-Muséum

Liège

Aquarium-Muséum Universitaire de Liège is a combined natural history museum and aquarium run by the University of Liège, in the Belgian region of Wallonia. It sits at the crossroads of science and tourism: on one hand a living zoological archive of the university, on the other a popular attraction for families and nature enthusiasts visiting Liège. Where do the collections come from? The roots of the collection go back to 1817, the very founding year of the university. King William I of Orange, who established the university, required it to set up a cabinet of zoology and comparative animal anatomy, and personally donated almost 2,000 mollusc shells that formed the seed of the future collection. In the following decades the holdings were substantially expanded by Jean-Théodore Lacordaire, a zoology professor, rector of the university, and a renowned entomologist, who added specimens of birds, mammals, and fish. The Aquarium-Muséum itself, in the form open to the public, opened its doors in 1962, even though the collections it is built on had already been growing for well over a century. What can visitors see inside? Today the institution holds close to 20,000 pieces — preserved and taxidermied animal specimens, skeletons, and, in the aquarium section, living creatures representing the diversity of aquatic life. This combination means a single visit blends the experience of a classic natural history museum with the appeal of an aquarium. One of the standout parts of the exhibition is the TréZOOr room, inaugurated in June 2017. It guides visitors through the history of the university's natural science collections since 1817 and brings together what are described as the treasures of its zoological heritage — remarkable heritage objects along with remains of animal species that have since gone extinct. It is a space where the history of science intertwines with the story of a changing natural world. A separate highlight is the collection of Blaschka glass models, unique in Belgium. Crafted with extraordinary precision, these glass reconstructions of marine organisms have long impressed both scientists and casual visitors, showcasing a level of craftsmanship from an era before photography and plastics made such models unnecessary. The collection is rounded out by wax models of animals from the University of Liège — precise morphological teaching aids once used in zoology, anatomy, and embryology courses, now displayed as evidence of earlier teaching methods. Where and when to visit The Aquarium-Muséum is located in the heart of Liège, close to the city centre, making it an easily accessible stop on any visit to the city. Opening hours vary by season: in April and October the site is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00; in May, June, and September it is additionally open Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays during the same hours; and in July and August it opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00. It is worth checking the current schedule before a visit, since the exact start and end dates of each seasonal period can shift slightly from year to year. Who is it for? The Aquarium-Muséum Universitaire de Liège appeals both to families with children and to anyone interested in the history of science and natural history collecting. The blend of living aquariums with historical cabinets of curiosities gives the visit real educational substance without losing the feel of an entertaining outing — a rare combination that sets this institution apart from other natural history museums in the region.

Ghent University Museum

Ghent University Museum is a university museum in Ghent, Belgium, built around an unusual idea for an institution of this kind: instead of showcasing finished discoveries and success stories, it puts the messy, uncertain process of research itself on display. Open since 2020, the museum draws on the academic heritage of Ghent University and is paired with a botanical garden that forms part of the overall visit. What makes this museum different? The museum describes itself as a "Forum for Science, Doubt and Art," and that phrase captures its approach well. Rather than presenting knowledge as a closed set of facts, it foregrounds the steps that come before any conclusion — the failed experiments, abandoned hypotheses, and dead ends that are normally left out of public-facing science communication. By making doubt and failure visible, the museum frames research as an ongoing, unfinished activity rather than a tidy list of answers. Art is the second pillar of the concept. The museum sets aside space for artistic research, treating creative practice as another legitimate way of questioning the world alongside scientific method. As a result, its exhibitions and programming tend to cross boundaries that are usually kept separate in traditional museums, bringing together natural sciences, the humanities, and visual art under one roof. The botanical garden as part of the museum The institution's full name includes its botanical garden, and that pairing is not incidental — Ghent University's academic heritage has long been tied to work in the natural sciences, and the garden functions as a living extension of the exhibitions indoors. For visitors, this means a trip to GUM combines displays about the history and practice of science with time spent walking among living plants, giving the whole experience a more intimate, less display-case feel than a typical university museum. Who is it for? GUM appeals both to visitors curious about the history of science and Ghent's academic heritage, and to those looking for a less conventional take on what scientific knowledge actually is. Its self-description as a "forum" also signals that the museum is meant to evolve and host discussion over time, built around open questions rather than a fixed, permanent collection. Frequently asked questions When did Ghent University Museum open? It opened in 2020. How is it different from a typical science museum? Instead of only exhibiting confirmed discoveries and successes, GUM highlights doubt, failure, and the research process as a normal part of science. Is there more to see than science exhibits? Yes — the museum calls itself a "Forum for Science, Doubt and Art" and also provides space for artistic research. Is the botanical garden included in a visit? Yes, the botanical garden is an integral part of the museum and its academic heritage. Where is the museum located? In Ghent, Belgium.

Museos

Koksijde

MuseOs is an unusual natural history museum in Koksijde built entirely around bones — skulls, skeletons and fossils of vertebrate animals. Located at Veurnestraat 2, it belongs to a small group of European museums where comparative anatomy is the central subject of the exhibition rather than a side note. Where does the collection come from? The MuseOs collection is the life's work of two biologists, Luc Tyteca and Leentje Vandenhoudt. Over thirty years they methodically assembled a set of scientifically valuable and rare specimens, building a collection that today counts more than a thousand skulls and skeletons of vertebrate animals. What began as a private passion project by two specialists eventually grew into a museum open to the public, allowing them to share their collection and expertise with visitors. What can you see inside? The exhibition is built around comparative morphology — placing the skeletal structures of different vertebrate species side by side in a way that highlights their similarities and differences. The museum's creators put considerable emphasis on aesthetics: the specimens are displayed in a space that blends modern architecture with the atmosphere of late 19th-century museum cabinets. The result combines scientific rigor with a visually deliberate setup, where the bones themselves become objects worth contemplating rather than purely educational material. Who is the museum for? MuseOs is described as engaging for visitors of every age, including children. The sheer scale and variety of the skeletons on display — from small specimens to considerably larger vertebrate remains — make the exhibition appealing both to young visitors and to anyone with a more serious interest in biology or comparative anatomy. Where is MuseOs located? The museum is located at Veurnestraat 2, 8670 Koksijde, in the province of West Flanders, close to the North Sea coast. Its location makes it easy to combine a visit with other attractions along this stretch of the Belgian coastline. Frequently asked questions What makes MuseOs different from a typical natural history museum? Rather than covering a broad range of natural history topics, MuseOs focuses exclusively on bones — skulls, skeletons and fossils of vertebrates — presented through the lens of comparative anatomy. Who created the MuseOs collection? Biologists Luc Tyteca and Leentje Vandenhoudt built the collection over three decades and now share it with the public. Is MuseOs suitable for children? Yes, the museum is described as child-friendly and engaging for visitors of all ages. Where exactly is the museum located? At Veurnestraat 2, 8670 Koksijde, in the Belgian province of West Flanders.

House of Science

Liège

House of Science (Maison de la Science) is a museum belonging to the University of Liège, dedicated to making science accessible and engaging. It sits on the bank of the Meuse river, occupying part of the right wing of one of the Trasenster institutes — the Institute of Zoology — and shares its premises with the Aquarium-Museum of Liège. What is this place? It is one of the first permanent institutions in Belgium whose mission is the promotion and popularization of science for all audiences, regardless of age or background. The museum was founded in 1986 and has spent more than three decades delighting visitors with hands-on experiments and scientific demonstrations. What can visitors see? The exhibition highlights practical applications of discoveries in biology, chemistry, and physics. Among the featured experiences are demonstrations involving electricity (a Faraday cage), experiments with liquid nitrogen, and displays exploring sound, mechanics, and optics. Visitors can explore scientific phenomena through holograms, optical illusions, automated experiment stations, and multimedia terminals. What is the history behind the collection? The museum's collection began forming in 1986, when its first components were electrotechnical objects and instruments from the Montefiore collection. Over time these were joined by Reuleaux kinematic models, a collection of holograms, gynaecological instruments, and minerals from the Laboratory of Mineralogy. Today the collection comprises roughly 1,500 pieces dating from the 18th to the 21st century, documenting a wide range of scientific and technical heritage from the University of Liège across fields such as medicine, engineering, acoustics, physiology, pharmacy, and mineralogy. What are some of the most notable exhibits? Among the collection's most remarkable pieces are Blaschka glass animal models and specimens of extinct species, including the passenger pigeon and the thylacine, displayed in the museum's "TréZOOr" room. Can it be visited together with other attractions? Since April 2022, the House of Science has offered a combined admission ticket with the Aquarium-Museum and the University of Liège's Museum Hub. A single ticket grants access to the House of Science itself, as well as the aquarium, the TréZOOr room, the botany and evolution galleries, the planetarium, and the temporary exhibition halls. When is it open? Opening hours vary throughout the year. In April and October, the museum is open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. From May to June and in September, it is open Tuesday through Sunday, as well as on public holidays, during the same hours. In July and August, the museum welcomes visitors every day from 10:00 to 18:00. Frequently asked questions Who runs the House of Science? The museum is part of the University of Liège and belongs to its museum network, the Museum Hub. Where exactly is it located? On the bank of the Meuse river, in a building shared with the Aquarium-Museum of Liège, within the right wing of one of the Trasenster institutes. Does the ticket include other attractions? Yes — since 2022, a combined ticket also grants access to the aquarium, the TréZOOr room, the botany and evolution galleries, the planetarium, and temporary exhibitions. How many objects does the collection hold? Around 1,500 objects dating from the 18th to the 21st century, spanning electrotechnical equipment, kinematic models, holograms, medical instruments, and minerals.

Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium

Bruksela

The Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium is a museum in Brussels dedicated to natural history. It forms part of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, which is itself one of the institutions operating under the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office, known by its acronym BELSPO. This institutional structure places the museum firmly within Belgium's federal scientific research framework rather than as a standalone visitor attraction. What kind of museum is this? This is a natural history museum, distinguishing it from the many art and historical institutions found throughout Brussels. Its focus lies in the natural sciences, and its name directly reflects that scope — the study and presentation of the natural world. Being situated in Belgium's capital places it alongside a dense concentration of other cultural and scientific institutions in the city. What is the role of the institute behind the museum? The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, of which this museum is a part, is a research-oriented body operating within the structures of BELSPO, the federal office responsible for science policy in Belgium. This arrangement means the museum's activities are tied to an institutional framework typical of federally supervised and funded research bodies, rather than functioning purely as an independent exhibition space aimed at visitors. Where exactly is it located? The museum is located in Brussels, at coordinates near 50.84°N, 4.38°E — placing it within the administrative boundaries of Belgium's capital city. This location makes it an accessible point within the dense network of cultural and scientific institutions clustered in the country's capital. Frequently asked questions Is this a state-run museum? Yes — as part of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the BELSPO structure, the museum operates within Belgium's federal institutions rather than as a private entity. What subject matter does the museum cover? Natural history — reflecting the focus of the wider institute it belongs to on the natural sciences. Where in Brussels is the museum situated? Within the city, at a location marked by geographic coordinates near the center of Belgium's capital. Is the museum an independent institution? Not entirely — it operates as part of a larger structure, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, which in turn belongs to BELSPO, Belgium's federal science policy office.

Heemkring De Drie Rozen - Bibliotheek

's-Gravenwezel

Heemkring De Drie Rozen Library is a modest but content-rich documentation center located in 's-Gravenwezel, a village that forms part of the municipality of Schilde in Antwerp province. It is one branch of a wider local heritage organisation dedicated to preserving, researching and sharing the history of the area. What is a heemkring, and where does the name come from? Heemkring De Drie Rozen has been active since 1965 and has operated as a registered non-profit association (vzw) since 1971. Its mission is to safeguard, document and pass on knowledge of 's-Gravenwezel's local history and traditions to future generations. The organisation's name refers to the coat of arms of the Roose de Baisy family, who owned the village around 1774: their heraldry featured three silver roses arranged around an inverted V on a red field. Headquarters and buildings The heemkring's headquarters stand at Kerkstraat 41-45 in Schilde, in a row of low white buildings with red shutters that have long given the surrounding area its rural character. The property, which includes three small former workers' cottages known as heemhuisjes, was handed over to the association in October 1974 by its then-owner, Baron Gillès de Pélichy. The site was later expanded: a crafts gallery opened in 1981, followed by an event hall in 1990 that is now used for meetings, lectures and temporary exhibitions. The role of the library and archive The library itself is housed in the Dorpshuis, or village house, which also serves as the heemkring's secretariat and as a venue for local gatherings and activities. It holds an extensive collection of source material on the history of 's-Gravenwezel — documents, photographs and publications assembled by volunteers over decades. This collection underpins the association's research work and serves both residents looking into their village's past and anyone pursuing genealogical or regional-history interests connected to Antwerp province. Publications and exhibitions Heemkring De Drie Rozen also maintains a steady publishing schedule: a magazine titled "De Drie Rozen" appears three times a year, while a newsletter called "Heemtijdingen" comes out monthly except in August, keeping members informed of the association's activities. Alongside the library and archive, the complex houses a museum devoted to traditional crafts and trades, open to visitors on the first Sunday of every month — the buildings are accessible from 10:30 to 18:00, with the museum exhibition itself opening at 14:00. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the library located? At Kerkstraat 41-45 in Schilde, within the Heemkring De Drie Rozen complex in the village of 's-Gravenwezel. When can the library and museum be visited? The complex is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month; the buildings are accessible from 10:30 to 18:00, and the museum opens at 14:00. How does the library differ from the heemkring's archive? The library and documentation collection are housed in the Dorpshuis, which also functions as the secretariat and meeting place, while the rest of the complex includes the crafts museum and the event hall. Who can use the collection? The collection is available to residents, local history researchers, and anyone interested in genealogy or the heritage of the Schilde area.

Volkssterrenwacht Mira

Volkssterrenwacht Mira is Belgium's oldest public astronomical observatory, located on the grounds connected to the historic abbey in Grimbergen, just outside Brussels. The observatory was established in 1967 by the Norbertine father Godfried Pieraerts, a completely novel initiative at the time and the very first public observatory of its kind in Flanders. In recognition of his work popularising astronomy among the general public, Pieraerts received the Simon Stevin Prize in 1971, and since 2010 an asteroid has been named in his honour. Where is the observatory located? Mira occupies buildings historically tied to Grimbergen Abbey, at Abdijstraat 22. The original observatory was housed entirely within the abbey's walls. In 2000 the site was expanded with a spacious new wing, and in 2007 the entire exhibition area was thoroughly renovated, creating one unified, modern space filled with multimedia stations and hands-on experiments. What can visitors see inside? The observatory holds what is likely the most extensive collection of astronomical instruments of any Belgian observatory. The site features two fixed telescope domes, a stationary solar telescope (heliostat) used to study the Sun in detail, a planetarium, an armillary sphere that helps explain the movements of celestial bodies, an educational weather station, and a radio system used year-round to detect meteors. These are complemented by a large collection of smaller, portable instruments used during workshops and demonstrations. How is a visit to Mira organised? Thanks to the multimedia exhibition renovated in 2007, the observatory is well suited to independent, self-guided visits — there's no need to wait for a group tour to explore the basics of astronomy and the equipment on display. Organised groups can also book a guided tour (rondleiding) covering the full complex, including both the exhibition halls and the telescope domes. When is it open to individual visitors? Individual visitors can access the observatory on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons (except on public holidays). Organised groups, by prior arrangement, are welcome to visit almost any day of the week, with the exception of Sundays and public holidays. Frequently asked questions Is this really the oldest public observatory in Belgium? Yes, Mira was founded in 1967 as the first volkssterrenwacht (public observatory) in Flanders and remains the country's oldest institution of this kind. Can the observatory be visited without joining a group? Yes, the self-guided, multimedia-based exhibition redesigned in 2007 makes independent visits possible on the designated opening days. What astronomical equipment is on display? Two telescope domes, a fixed solar telescope, a planetarium, an armillary sphere, a weather station, a meteor-detecting radio system, and numerous portable instruments. Where exactly is Mira located? At Abdijstraat 22 in Grimbergen, right next to the town's historic abbey, a short distance from Brussels.