The building was originally a chapel and hospital for the poor known as the Children's Alms House.
The name 'Alijn' refers to the Van Alijn family, who founded the charitable institution in the 14th century.
The collection includes over 2,000 archival films capturing domestic celebrations and street scenes.
The museum interior retains original elements such as 16th-century murals and structural timber framing.
Unlike traditional history museums, it prioritizes intangible heritage like family traditions and local customs.
The museum pub, 'Café Huis van Alijn,' serves local Belgian beers in an environment decorated with authentic period memorabilia.
The Huis van Alijn is housed within a medieval almshouse, the Kinderspijs-Huis, originally established in 1363. The museum documents the evolution of 20th-century everyday life in Flanders through a vast collection of objects, photographs, films, and sound recordings. It focuses on the domestic and social experiences of the common person, spanning from 1900 to the present. The exhibits are organized around themes like childhood, work, leisure, and personal milestones. It is recognized as the only museum in Belgium dedicated exclusively to the culture of daily life. The site features an authentic inner courtyard and a museum café that preserves the atmosphere of a historic Flemish pub.
The peaceful 14th-century interior courtyard.
Visit the museum tavern in the courtyard to experience an authentic 20th-century Flemish pub setting.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition calendar before visiting, as they frequently rotate displays on specific social themes.
Allow time to watch the curated archival films, as they provide essential context for the physical objects on display.
Do not rush through the video archives, as they contain the most unique social documentation in the museum.
Closed on Mondays.
