The Passchendaele Museum presents the historic story of the First World War in a poignant and vivid way, with a particular emphasis on the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle in 1917 is known as one of the most horrific of the First World War, with almost 600,000 casualties for a movement of the frontline of a mere 8 kilometres. ‘Passchendaele’ not only became a concept in the history of the First World War, it also became a symbol of the great futility of the violence of war in all its horror.
Discover and experience the story of the First World War and the Battle of Passchendaele in the interactive design of the museum. Authentic letters, uniforms and animations give both young and old an insight into how life must have been on and around the battlefields.
Descend into the dugout and discover how the British went to live underground in 1917. The accurately reconstructed British and German trenches with shelters offer a unique experience and give a deeper insight into life at the front. The immersive experience ‘Passchendaele 1917’ shows the course of the battle and its impact on the landscape.
Family friendly tour
The youngest visitors can go and explore on their own with Lisa, her nephew Louis and their little friend Maurice. Lisa and Louis visit their grandfather, who collects stuff from the First World War in the Zonnebeke Chateau. Maurice takes the children on a discovery tour of the museum with the help of a folding map. Along the way, they carry out assignments.
New in 2025
In the refurbished Passchendaele Museum the adjusted and more chronological storyline takes you step by step through the war years, enriched with the maximum possible presentation of items from the collection and of personal stories. With a renewed audio guide and true-to-life scenes throughout the museum, you will experience the story more intensely than ever.
Furthermore, the historical character of the chateau is shown to even better advantage; concealed elements such as fireplaces and windows have been made visible again and restored.
After your museum visit
The Passchendaele Museum is located in the chateau grounds of Zonnebeke where you can stroll around the pond, the poppy-shaped Memorial Gardens, the Maori sculpture ‘pou maumahara’ and the Zonnebeke church tower. Right next to the museum, you can take the adventure trail (1.9 km) to discover the chateau grounds in a fun and active way by using pedestrian bridges, tree trunk stepping paths and rope courses.
From the museum you can take various walking and cycling routes to explore the surroundings. As an ‘open museum’, the Passchendaele Museum establishes the link between the historical facts and the landscape. Important sites include Polygon Wood, the many bunkers and Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world, with a free visitor centre.
Want to discover the wider area around Zonnebeke? Then be sure to check out Tourism Ypres or Tourism Westhoek for lots of inspiration and information.
Ready for your visit?
- View your ideal route
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