Historic Aircraft Takes to the Skies: Fokker D.VII Restored at Antwerp's Stampe & Vertongen Museum
The Stampe & Vertongen Museum, located at Antwerp Airport, celebrates local aviation history through its collection of vintage aircraft and engines. Recently, the museum marked a monumental achievement in aviation preservation alongside community-led conservation efforts that keep the memory of local pioneers alive.
The Resurrection of a Classic: Fokker D.VII Flies Again
After a highly anticipated restoration journey spanning two decades, the museum's Fokker D.VII has officially returned to the air. The ambitious restoration project first commenced in 2005, aiming to transition the aircraft from a static display piece—where it stood alongside other historic planes like the Sopwith Camel—into a fully functional, airworthy vehicle.
Significant progress was made behind the scenes, particularly during period closures when volunteers conducted crucial engine tests in March 2022. The years of dedicated craftsmanship culminated in September 2025, when the biplane was certified fit for flight.
The aircraft completed its maiden post-restoration flight on September 6, 2025, piloted by Aaron Cabooter. Just two days later, on September 8, pilot Bruno Bedert took the plane up for a successful second, slightly longer flight, securing a triumphant milestone for the museum's technical team.
Preserving Local Aviation Heritage On and Off-Site
The dedication of the museum's community extends beyond hangar maintenance to preserving the tangible resting places of local historical figures. Recently, museum volunteers completed preservation work at the Sint-Rochus cemetery, where they cleaned and restored the graves of Leon Stampe and George Ivanow.
While visitors can see the original headstones preserved safely inside the museum exhibits, this outdoor maintenance ensures the local landmarks dedicated to these aviation pioneers remain respected and intact for the public. More details on these community initiatives can be found directly on the Stampe & Vertongen Museum news page.
Planning Your Visit to the Aviation Museum in Antwerp
For those looking to experience Antwerp’s aviation legacy firsthand, the museum offers a unique weekend destination. Visitors can view historic flying examples, engines, and documents detailing the city's early flight pioneers.
- Opening Hours: The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00. It remains closed on weekdays (Monday through Friday).
- Seasonal Closures: Please note that the facility is closed during the months of January, December, July, and August, as well as on Easter Sunday.
- Special Notice: The museum has scheduled an exceptional closure on September 5, 2026.
Exploring local heritage offers a deeper connection to the city's unique history. If you are planning an itinerary, Musemap (musemap.art) helps you locate cultural landmarks across the city. You can easily browse museums in Antwerp or use the interactive Antwerp map to discover more unique history spots nearby.
