Natural History Museum Boekenberg Pauses Public Visits for Winter Bat Hibernation in Antwerp
The Natural History Museum Boekenberg, a seasonal destination housed within an eighteenth-century artificial cave system in Antwerp, has officially closed its doors to the public for the colder seasons. This temporary closure is an annual necessity designed to protect the resident bats, giving them a quiet, undisturbed environment to undergo their winter hibernation.
Planning Your Next Visit to Antwerp's Underground Museum
While the historic caves are currently reserved entirely for local wildlife, the museum has finalized its schedule for the coming year to help travelers and local families plan ahead.
The museum will officially reopen its doors on Sunday, May 10, 2026, starting at 14:00. Throughout the active 2026 season, public opening hours will be limited to Sundays from 14:00 to 18:00, concluding on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
For those looking to coordinate group visits, private tours can still be requested in advance via email. Visitors interested in understanding the layout of the surrounding green space can reference the official Boekenberg park plan or view the park ground plan to map out their journey through the estate.
Highlights and Milestones from the 2025 Season
The closure brings an end to a highly successful 2025 season, during which the cave museum welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors to explore its collection of regional fossils, minerals, and geological artifacts.
Several key milestones marked the final weeks of the season:
- The 2,500th Visitor: A science class from the Koninklijk Atheneum Deurne was recognized as the landmark visitor group. The class was presented with a fossilized whale vertebra from the Miocene epoch to display in their school laboratory.
- The Seasonal Prize Draw: On October 5, the museum concluded its annual seasonal giveaway. Local Borgerhout resident and Belgian rock musician Johannes Genard was selected as the winner, receiving a fossilized Jurassic mineral dendrite.
To ensure the smooth operation of the upcoming 2026 season, the local museum association is actively seeking motivated volunteers to assist with reception duties and daily tasks. Interested supporters are encouraged to contact the museum's organization team directly.
Whether you are seeking historic caves or looking to explore the region's rich geological history, plan your next cultural journey with Musemap (musemap.art) by taking a moment to browse local museums or exploring upcoming sights on our interactive Antwerp map.
