Would you like to take a train journey back to times long past? Then hop on the train to Train World in Schaarbeek. The museum brings the history of the Belgian railways to life in a compelling and interactive way. With a rich collection, sound clips, and real stories, Train World and the ErfgoedApp take ErfgoedApp back in time.
Departure on the platform
You start your visit in the restored station hall of Schaarbeek. The ErfgoedApp you everything about the old station building and the various Belgian train stations. In the old ticket offices, you can see how train tickets have evolved over time and get an overview of the uniforms worn by railway staff. This is followed by a walk to the large exhibition hall, spread over four halls.
A journey through history
The first two halls immediately create an exciting atmosphere thanks to a special sound and light show. Visual material and a number of locomotives on display highlight the early beginnings of the railways, the steam era, and the transition to diesel and electric locomotives. You can see the first locomotives that ran on the European mainland, as well as an exemplary diesel train and an electric train. The exhibition is interactive for young and old alike. In most of the locomotives, you can try out all the levers and wheels, and in the carriages, you can sit down for a moment and soak up the atmosphere of the past. Take your time to look around, because the ErfgoedApp extensive information about the impact of the train and the efforts made to improve comfort.
Railway signalman's hut: the story of people
Hall 3 features a signalman's hut; the museum was literally built around it. The signalman and his family used to live here. In the ErfgoedApp , you ErfgoedApp that the house is decorated in the style of Expo '58.
Hall of Time and the Railway Attic
In addition to large locomotives, carriages, and a simulation of the railway, there are also rooms where you can discover smaller trinkets and artifacts from the Belgian Railways. The Hall of Time, with its large number of clocks, focuses on the role that the railway played in standardizing time. The Railway Attic intrigues with its many station signs, emotional resistance letters from World War II, and creations by Henri Van de Velde. All artifacts show a direct connection to the railway.
A contemporary story with an eye on the future
At the end of your museum visit, you will learn that the story of the railways is not yet over. You will get an overview of the NMBS and the railways today and take a look at modern high-speed trains. In the train simulator, you can even imagine yourself as a real train driver! You will end your visit in the Neuzengalerij, between Thalys and Eurostar.
Also for the little ones: 'In search of the sultan's diamond'. Available in the ErfgoedApp!
Did you know that somewhere in Train World there is a real treasure hidden? Joni and Basil would like to go on a treasure hunt with the youngest railway enthusiasts. Take the sultan's train ticket with you and let yourself be guided by a distant past... can you find the code to crack the treasure chest?
Animalia
On February 17, 2023, a new temporary exhibition will open at Train World: Animalia. In this exhibition, the museum focuses on the role of trains in the climate crisis. With their low CO2 emissions, trains can be an important asset in our fight to save the natural habitats of animals and biodiversity. That is why the museum has collaborated with animal sculptor Pierre-Yves Renkin. Together, they are transforming Train World into a place where animals are exhibited in a poetic way in relation to trains and climate change. A real beastly bunch.
For visitors to Train World, the ErfgoedApp is ErfgoedApp best tool for discovering all aspects of the museum. Designed for young and old alike, the ErfgoedApp helps ErfgoedApp absorb all the information about the past, present, and future of the railways. Download the ErfgoedApp from the App Store or Google Play. You will then have free access to the various tours of Train World.
