During the Great War, the corner of the Grote Markt was the HEADQUARTERS – (autumn 1914) of King Albert 1 and his Military Staff of the Belgian Army.
The "Free Fatherland" Experience Museum is now located here.
The museum is definitely worth a visit. Entrance fee is low, only €4 and you will receive a lot of information in the museum about life behind the front and the important role of the city of Veurne as headquarters, crisis center, judiciary, etc.
Veurne was the center of unoccupied Belgium during the Great War.
Take your time and start at Veurne in peacetime. The route takes you further back in time to how Veurne and its residents survived the great war. Education, medical progress due to the rise of x-rays and their application. Admire the old RX table.
Many foreign dignitaries were received here. Judiciary was administered in this building. Read the trial of a local murderer and its verdict? View the guillotine in the courtroom. Enter the working cabinet of King Albert 1 and participate with Karel Cogge in an important meeting to flood the IJzervlakte.
Experience this museum, take your time. This museum is recommended if you want to know more about the daily lives of ordinary citizens behind the front.
The museum has a spacious and secure cloakroom.