Musée de la Vie Rurale

Stepping back in time, imagine rural France between 1850 and 1950. Here at the Musée de la Vie Rurale in Steenwerck, time stands still. The Musée de la Vie Rurale isn’t just a museum. It’s a living, breathing testament to a bygone era. Housed within a former farmhouse from the early 18th century, the Musée de la Vie Rurale first opened its doors in 1987. The local Steenwerck tourist office had a vision. They wanted to share the stories of rural life with future generations. The Musée de la Vie Rurale showcases over 6,000 objects spread across 1,500 square meters. These artifacts whisper tales of daily life. They offer a glimpse into the activities of a typical farm. Imagine bustling farmyards with pigs snorting in the pigsty. Picture the grain overflowing in the attic. Visualize the gentle sway of the stable doors. The Musée de la Vie Rurale invites you to wander through the vegetable garden and orchard. Explore the pasture and stables. Then, step inside the farmhouse itself. Discover the heart of the home. See the kitchen where families gathered. Peek into the bedrooms where dreams were dreamt. Explore the living room, baking oven, laundry room, and cellar. The Musée de la Vie Rurale also recreates village life with various shops. See the bustling estaminet, the quaint grocery, and the charming haberdashery. Peek inside the milliner’s shop and smell the fresh bread at the bakery. Visit the butcher, clog maker, cobbler, apothecary, basket weaver, and hairdresser. There’s even a schoolhouse. Learn about the traditional crafts of the time. Meet the thatcher, carder, saddler, carpenter, cooper, cartwright, blacksmith, and beekeeper. The Musée de la Vie Rurale is also home to two majestic Brabant draft horses. Your journey concludes at the “A La Gaieté” estaminet, nestled in the old stable. Enjoy a refreshing regional beer and savor delicious waffles. Sip on apple juice and play traditional Flemish games. Throughout the year, the Musée de la Vie Rurale hosts themed days and captivating night tours. Experience the ambiance of the past, sometimes enhanced by captivating storytellers. The Musée de la Vie Rurale has blossomed into a cultural hub. The museum now hosts eclectic performances, themed events, and inspiring art exhibitions, featuring paintings, photographs, and works by local artists.