WW1 Museums in the Ypres Salient, Belgium

There are a growing number of public and private First World War museums in the Ypres Salient area. They contain military collections ranging from rare battlefield relics and archive collections to original trench systems, dugouts and commemorative sites.

In the list below click to show the place on the map or to expand the details.

In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres / Ieper

50.851152

2.885762

This award winning museum is located in the Cloth Hall (Lakenhallen) in central Ieper / Ypres. The museum re-opened in June 2012 after a major two year redevelopment.

As well as the main exhibition depicting scenes from Ypres Salient battles the Research Centre contains over 5,000 books on the First World War. A well stocked museum shop sells a wide range of First World War related books, guides, maps, postcards, CDs and gift items.

In Flanders Fields Museum
Hooge Crater Museum

Hooge (4 kilometres east of Ypres).

50.846508966836

2.943735122681

Situated on the Menin Road this is a very good private museum with fine collections and exhibits. There is a large café with indoor and outdoor seating, and the museum provides good facilities and options of varied rates for group visits.

Hooge Crater Museum
Lijssenthoek Project & Visitor Centre

Poperinge (3 kilometres south of Poperinge)

50.827956

2.701381

A new visitor centre opened in September 2012, focuses on the medical services in the Ypres Salient. A database is in the process of being compiled containing the details of over 10,000 named burials in the neighbouring British Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.

Lijssenthoek Project & Visitor Centre
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917

Zonnebeke (8 kilometres north-east of Ypres)

50.870798490

2.988667488098

Housed in a château at Zonnebeke this excellent museum focuses on the Third Battle of Ypres. It includes a life-size replica complex of bunkers and trenches built in the cellars of the château.

Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Messines (Mesen) Historical Museum

Mesen / Messines (10 kilometres south of Ypres): closed for redevelopment. Planned for re-opening in 2014.
Pond Farm near St. Julien

St. Julien (6 kilometres north-east of Ypres)

50.88523310700978

2.9472917318344116

The farm near St. Julien was known as Pond Farm on British Army trench maps, and Kazerne Häseler on German military maps. After the Second Battle of Ypres in May 1915 the farm was in German occupied ground. By 1917 Pond Farm was one of many reinforced strongpoints in the German Army's defensive line. Three large bunkers, small bunkers, tunnels and cellars formed the fortifications at this place. A private museum at the farm includes a collection of antique items from the First World War period and many fascinating relics found on the battlefields around the farm.

For a comprehensive history of the farm with photos and what visitors can see there go to the website at www.depondfarm.be
Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62)

Zillebeke (5 kilometres east of Ypres)

A rare site to see the layout of an original British trench system complete with a tunnel through which you can walk with suitable waterproof footware.

Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62)
50.8368380376

2.9459452629
Talbot House (TOC H)

Poperinge (10 kilometres west of Ypres)

50.85611919405481

2.7229678630828857

Talbot House was founded in December 1915 by Padre Tubby Clayton as an Everyman's Club, where officers and soldiers could leave their rank at the front door and relax together in a house with homely comforts behind the fighting lines.

The house is a living museum but it is also a place where visitors can stay.

Talbot House (Toc H)
Tyne Cot Visitors' Centre

Passchendaele (3 kilometres south of Passendale - Passchendaele)

Visitors' Centre next to Tyne Cot Military Cemetery, the largest British military cemetery in the world.

Tyne Cot Visitors' Centre
50.888435

3.000255