Abbey museum of the dunes

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Koksijde, Belgium, the Abbey Museum of the Dunes (known locally as Abdijmuseum Ten Duinen) offers a fascinating journey through history, culture, and the monastic life of medieval times. This museum is a treasure trove of archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and immersive exhibits that transport visitors back to the days when the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Dunes lived, worked, and prayed in this serene setting.

The Origins of the Abbey

The Abbey of Our Lady of the Dunes dates back to the 12th century. It began as a humble hermitage and grew into a Benedictine abbey before joining the Cistercian order in 1138. The abbey flourished and became one of the largest and most influential monastic communities in Flanders. By the late 13th century, it owned around 10,000 hectares of land spread across modern-day Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and England. At its peak, the abbey housed a community of up to 370 members, including choir monks and lay brothers.

The 16th century, however, brought turbulent times. The abbey faced numerous challenges, including floods in Zeeland, the Reformation, iconoclastic riots, and deliberate destruction of its buildings. The advancing sands of the dunes further buried the site, leading the community to reorganize in Bruges in 1627. The abbey was eventually dissolved in 1796.

From Archaeological Site to Museum

The Abbey Museum of the Dunes owes its existence to the renewed interest in the abbey's history following the beatification of the third abbot, Idesbald, in 1894. The search for the abbey's remnants began in earnest at the end of the 19th century, with significant progress made during the interwar period by geographer Karel Loppens. Systematic excavations commenced in 1949, leading to the discovery of tombs and human remains. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences took charge of the excavations in 1952, resulting in the establishment of the first museum display in 1953.

The archaeological site quickly became a major attraction, prompting the construction of the museum in 1958. Inspired by monastic architecture, the museum was built to house and showcase the archaeological finds. In 1998, the municipality of Koksijde took over the management of the site and launched a comprehensive restoration and revaluation project, transforming the museum into a cultural and historical gem.

Exploring the Abbey Museum of the Dunes

Visitors to the Abbey Museum of the Dunes can explore a variety of exhibits that delve into the daily life of the medieval abbey. The museum's layout is designed to guide visitors through different themes, offering insights into the history, architecture, and community of the abbey. One of the highlights is the VR experience, Ten Duinen@1490, which provides a virtual tour of the abbey's interior as it would have appeared in the late 15th century.

The museum is set within a beautiful park domain of approximately six hectares, allowing visitors to stroll through the serene landscape and imagine the abbey's past glory. The adjacent archaeological site, recognized as a monument in 1986, features the preserved ruins of the abbey, offering a tangible connection to its storied history.

The South Abbey Mill and Vanneuville House

In addition to the main museum, the Abbey Museum of the Dunes manages two other significant sites: the South Abbey Mill and the Vanneuville House. The South Abbey Mill is one of the eight remaining three-storey mills in Flanders. Originally purchased by the municipality of Koksijde in 1954, the 18th-century mill was dismantled in Houtem and reconstructed on the site where one of the abbey's windmills once stood.

The Vanneuville House, a fisherman's house built in the early 20th century, is another fascinating site managed by the museum. Named after the Vanneuville family, the house was once home to artist Walter Vilain, who used it as his studio. Under Vilain's influence, the house became a gathering place for artists and the birthplace of the Westhoek Academy.

The Museum's Collections

The Abbey Museum of the Dunes boasts two main types of collections: archaeological artifacts and religious heritage. The core collection consists of items excavated from the abbey site during various campaigns in the latter half of the 20th century. This includes building materials, ceramics, metal objects, wood products, textiles, glass, and skeletal remains. These artifacts provide a comprehensive view of the abbey's construction, daily life, and the people who lived there.

The museum also houses a collection of religious heritage, centered around the Maldague de la Héry collection. This includes religious silver, church textiles, paintings, sculptures, and books. The collection has been expanded with specific acquisitions, including items from the Bourdon and Van Damme collections, which feature designs, tools, and documentation from renowned silversmith families.

In conclusion, the Abbey Museum of the Dunes is a captivating destination that offers a unique window into the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and enriching experience, this museum provides a memorable journey through the rich heritage of the Cistercian monks and the enduring legacy of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Dunes.