Discover the Current Exhibition Until 17 November
The Passchendaele Museum in Zonnebeke will begin renovations in November. The refurbishment will focus on a revised storyline, optimising the display of the collection and personal stories, and enhancing the castle’s heritage site status. The newly revamped museum is set to reopen on 5 April 2025. The museum invites everyone to visit the current exhibition for the last time until Sunday, 17 November.
Since its opening in 2004, the Passchendaele Museum has undergone significant growth. It achieved regional recognition in 2008 and expanded in 2013 with an underground tour, reconstructed trenches, and an authentic American field house. This year, the museum started the first phase of its renewal with the opening of the immersive exhibition ‘Passchendaele 1917’ and the room ‘Echoes of War’. This autumn, the museum will face further significant changes.
“We are placing more emphasis on the visitor experience,” says Debbie Manhaeve, Managing Director of the Passchendaele Museum. “The revised museum route will ensure smoother visitor flow, and the richly decorated interiors will enhance the castle experience. The new storyline, along with an updated audio guide, will also guide visitors through the story of the Battle of Passchendaele in a more chronological manner.”
Major Renovation
Between 18 November 2024 and 5 April 2025, the rooms within the castle will undergo extensive refurbishment. The heritage on the first floor, much of which is currently hidden behind false walls and display cases, will be revitalised. Several windows and fireplaces, which have been concealed since the late 1980s, will be uncovered and fully restored to their former glory.
The revised museum route will also incorporate a reworked storyline, featuring an extensive presentation of collection items and personal stories. Life-size scenes throughout the museum will transport visitors back in time to life during the First World War.
The Passchendaele Museum is working closely with the Zonnebeke municipality and various contractors to realise this transformation.
Last Chance
Visitors can explore the museum daily until Sunday, 17 November. The museum urges everyone to experience the current exhibition one last time before the doors close.
More information and tickets can be found at www.passchendaele.be. Admission is free for children up to six years old and residents of Zonnebeke.
After 17 November, the museum will temporarily close for renovation works. From 1 February 2025, visitors will be able to access the underground section of the museum, including the dugout (underground shelter), artillery room, the immersive exhibition ‘Passchendaele 1917’, trenches, and the room ‘Echoes of War’.
The Passchendaele Museum will fully reopen in all its splendour on 5 April 2025 – a date to mark in your diary!
