The Steenwerck Museum of Rural Life immerses you in the everyday life of a Flemish village in the 19the and the 20the century, housed in a former farm, featuring over 30 reconstructions, agricultural artefacts, shops, a school and living areas. In November 2026, the museum is open on Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm, and the temporary exhibition «Pasteur and Beer» remains on display until 25 November.
Are you looking for a cultural tour around Bailleul for your next holiday? The Steenwerck Museum of Rural Life is a wonderful stop-off for discovering Flanders’ heritage in a different way. Situated a few kilometres from Bailleul, this museum brings to life the daily life of a rural village through its trades, homes, shops and traditional skills. For us, it’s a particularly interesting place to include in a break in the heart of the Monts de Flandre.
A museum at the heart of Flemish heritage
Established in the 1980s and open to the public since 1987, the Museum of Rural Life is housed in a large farmhouse dating from the early 18th centurye century. Its aim is to preserve and pass on the memory of rural life in Flanders. The trail takes visitors back in time to the mid-20the century and to understand the changes that accompanied the mechanisation of the countryside.
The tour features reconstructions that place the objects back in their original settings. You will thus discover not only a genuine Flemish farm, but also the activities that once shaped village life.
This approach gives the visit a particularly hands-on feel. Rather than viewing a collection in isolation, you enter reconstructed spaces and see the objects in their context.
An ideal visit for gaining an insight into life in Flanders
The Museum of Rural Life does not merely tell the story of Steenwerck. It offers a deeper insight into a period when farming, crafts and small businesses shaped local life.
The museum project is based precisely on this desire to present the living heritage. The objects are linked to the tasks and skills that made them useful. This approach enables us to gauge how the rural world has evolved, from manual labour to the gradual introduction of machinery.
For a holiday, this tour is the perfect complement to walks through the villages and countryside of the Monts de Flandre. It offers a different perspective on the area, focusing more on its social and cultural history.
An exhibition dedicated to Pasteur and beer in 2026
If you’re planning a visit in autumn 2026, a temporary exhibition offers yet another reason to stop off at Steenwerck. From 5 April to 25 November 2026, the museum is presenting «Pasteur and Beer» as part of the PROSCITEC network’s programme dedicated to the leading figures of the Hauts-de-France region.
The exhibition focuses in particular on the research of Louis Pasteur and their role in the development of beer preservation and production techniques. It enables the subject to be explored from a historical and scientific perspective, in the context of the history of regional expertise.
This exhibition is a natural fit for a region where brewing traditions play a significant role. For visitors interested in the history of products and techniques, it adds a further dimension to their exploration of Flemish heritage.
An idea for a family day out around Bailleul
With its many displays and interactive activities, the museum is particularly well suited to a family day out. Children can look at unusual objects and take part in interactive games, whilst adults can rediscover or learn about the customs and traditions of a bygone era.
The immersive nature of the itinerary also means there’s plenty of variety to enjoy during a holiday. After a walk through the Flemish countryside, a cultural visit like this one offers an interesting alternative when the weather isn’t so good.
The Steenwerck area can also be explored on foot or by bike. The museum suggests several routes for exploring the village and the surrounding countryside, including walking and cycling routes.
From Bailleul, an excursion that’s easy to fit into your holiday
Steenwerck is situated within the Cœur de Flandre area and is a great place to visit alongside Bailleul. The local tourist office particularly recommends a heritage trail that takes you around several of the village’s most iconic sites.
From our guesthouse, you can therefore organise a day combining heritage, walks and cultural exploration. After your visit to the museum, you can return to Bailleul and continue your stay in the cosy surroundings of Le Sommelier.
 |
 |
Our guest house offers a range of accommodation options, including the Grand Cru room and the Chambre du Brasseur. We have also designed a relaxation area with a Nordic bath, which is particularly welcome after a day spent exploring Flanders.
A heritage well worth exploring, above all for its history
The Steenwerck Museum of Rural Life is truly unique: it tells the story of the local area through the everyday activities and places that shaped it. Agriculture, crafts, trade, schooling and family life come together in an exhibition that offers a tangible insight into the changes in rural society.
In November 2026, the exhibition «Pasteur and beer» further enriches this exhibition until 25 November. It provides an interesting thread for visitors wishing to understand the link between the history of science, craftsmanship and regional heritage.
If you’re staying in Bailleul, we’d therefore recommend setting aside a few hours to explore Steenwerck. With its rural heritage, Flemish traditions and countryside scenery, this day trip offers you the chance to discover another side to our region.
Practical information for visiting the museum
The Museum of Rural Life is situated at 49 Rue du Musée, 59181 Steenwerck. In November, it was announced that the museum would be open to the public on Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm. The museum also states that weekday visits can be arranged by appointment, subject to availability.
Car parking is available nearby, and the museum lists a number of facilities designed to make visitors’ visits easier. The museum can also be reached by public transport from Bailleul and Méteren via the intercity bus route indicated by the museum.
Before you travel, we recommend that you check the official website of the Museum of Rural Life to check the timetables and any changes to the programme.
FAQ
Where is the Steenwerck Museum of Rural Life?
The Museum of Rural Life is situated at 49 Rue du Musée, in Steenwerck, in the Nord department. It is located near Bailleul and in the heart of the Cœur de Flandre region.
What is there to see at the Museum of Rural Life in Steenwerck?
The museum brings to life the daily life of a Flemish village through reconstructions of homes, shops, a school, agricultural areas and various trades. More than 30 reconstructions take visitors back in time to the mid-20the century.
Will the Museum of Rural Life be open in November 2026?
Yes. The museum has announced that it will open Every Sunday in November, from 2 pm to 6 pm. Visits by appointment are also possible, subject to availability.
Is the museum suitable for families?
Yes. The museum offers a range of interactive games for children, as well as traditional Flemish wooden toys. Family events are also organised at certain times of the year.
What is there to do around the museum?
You can explore the village of Steenwerck, follow a heritage trail or enjoy the walking and cycling routes around the area. The visit can also be included as part of a day out exploring Bailleul and the Monts de Flandre.
