Is photography allowed?
It is permitted to take photos during your abbey visit, but we ask that you do not use a flash.
If you wish to have an extensive photo shoot for a wedding, communion, or artistic project, a specific request is required. Please view the following page to submit a request:
Are there facilities for wheelchair users and/or people with reduced mobility?
Given the historical character of the site, the abbey is not equipped for wheelchair users. During a visit, you will always have to climb a few steps (max 2).
However, we do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. For instance, there are plenty of seats along the visitor route, and museum folding chairs are available at the reception. Additionally, a wheelchair is available to help bridge the distances between the rooms more easily. If you have difficulty navigating the stairs between the corridor and the rooms, please feel free to ask a staff member or volunteer for assistance.
Are animals allowed in the museum?
Animals are not allowed in the building, with the exception of guide dogs. Your faithful four-legged friend is, of course, welcome in the park and in the green surroundings of the abbey. We do kindly ask you to keep your dog on a leash.
Are discounts available for specific visitor categories?
Residents of Bornem, visitors under the age of 18, students (upon presentation of a valid student card), and children up to 12 are eligible for a reduced rate.
Can I visit the abbey with the Museumpas?
At the moment, the Museumas is unfortunately not valid for a visit to the abbey yet.
Something went wrong with my reservation or ticket purchase, what now?
The easiest way to book tickets in advance is via the webshop. Did something go wrong after all, did you not receive a confirmation, or do you want to cancel, reschedule, or extend your stay? Then please contact us by email: abdij@bornem.be or by phone at 03 890 69 23.
Can I borrow works from the abbey library?
The abbey library is a heritage library or preservation library. Therefore, due to the unique and valuable collection, books are not lent out. For scientific studies or specific research, the collection can be consulted on-site. A motivated request must be submitted for this. In very specific situations, a scan-on-demand service can also be requested so that a work can be consulted digitally. Conditions and more information can be found on the contact form:
Is there still an active monastic community present in the abbey?
There is no longer an active monastic community present in the abbey.
After the restoration of the site, Abbot Leo – Armand Van Schaverbeeck – took up residence in the abbey again as the ninth abbot of Bornem. He passed away on February 24, 2023. The well-liked Abbot Leo was the last prelate of the Cistercian Order of the Common Observance in our country. With his passing, a nearly 900-year-long story of Cistercians in the Benelux came to an end. In the abbey, we continue to honor his legacy. His motto "Estote Invicem Benigni" (Be good to one another) lives on in the DNA of the abbey.
Can I get something to eat or drink at the abbey?
During your visit, food and drinks are not permitted in the abbey premises. There is a tasting room available where you can sample a Bornem Tripel/Dubbel or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea during certain activities within the abbey or before/after a group visit. (For group visits, this must be reserved in advance.)
In an adjacent building, the former lay brothers' house, you will find the Lotuspoort, which operates independently of the abbey. Additionally, the abbey is located within walking distance (approx. 800 meters) of Bornem town centre, with numerous restaurants, bars, and outdoor terraces.
Can I combine this with a visit to Castle of Bornem?
Certainly.
Most of our guides are trained to conduct tours of both the abbey and the castle. If you wish to combine both locations for a group visit and would like the same guide, please mention this in your request. Please note! You still need to make the reservation for your group visit to the castle via their website.
We will then try to provide the same guide, provided they are available for the entire day.
Unfortunately, combination tickets are not yet available for individual visitors. Time-wise, you can easily visit both locations in one day. Tickets can be reserved via the respective websites.
Can I join a guided tour as an individual visitor?
Yes, you can!
Every summer from July to September, you can join one of the walk-in tours. These start at 2 p.m. on weekends.
A ticket for a walk-in tour is also valid as a ticket for an individual visit before or after the tour. This allows you to continue exploring the abbey at your own pace or visit a current exhibition within the abbey.
