Strolling through Hasselt

Around 1900, postcards were the go-to way to let family and friends know where you were and how you were doing. Just as people now send selfies from all corners of the world, postcards were ubiquitous back then. Today, they are a unique historical source with great documentary value.
The BHL collects postcards from all municipalities in Limburg, but for this exhibition, it chose to focus on the city center of Hasselt. And more specifically on those places where change has hit hardest. To illustrate this, we sent photographer Kobe Vanderzande out to take a photo at the exact same spot as the photographer who took the postcard back then.
The BHL drew not only from its own collection but also from those of other Hasselt heritage institutions, such as the City Archives, the Jenever Museum, and the Stadsmus. Thanks to the exceptionally wide selection this created, it was possible to explore themes in depth or view certain squares or intersections from every angle.
Let your imagination run wild and imagine yourself back in a Hasselt of times long past.

📍 17 Martelarenlaan, Hasselt