Kazerne Dossin Mechelen
A poignant memorial and museum in former barracks, honoring WWII deportees and promoting human rights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Kazerne Dossin Mechelen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant memorial and museum in former barracks, honoring WWII deportees and promoting human rights.
"A heart of stone would be required to keep from tearing up while you walk the corridors of photos."
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully engage with the museum's 4 floors and extensive exhibits. :clock1:
Prepare for Emotional Impact
This is a powerful and emotional experience. Be ready for a moving visit. :pleading_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Give Them a Face' Wall
Museum
Thousands of portraits honor deportees, putting faces to the devastating numbers. A truly poignant tribute.
Personal Artifacts and Stories
Museum
See belongings and hear testimonies from those who experienced the Holocaust, offering a deeply personal connection.
The Barracks Exhibition
Original Barracks
Explore the historical barracks where deportations began, offering a tangible link to the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Emotional Journey
Understand the Scope of Deportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully engage with the museum's 4 floors and extensive exhibits. :clock1:
Prepare for Emotional Impact
This is a powerful and emotional experience. Be ready for a moving visit. :pleading_face:
Every Name Counts Project
Participate in the 'Every Name Counts' project by speaking a deportee's name. :microphone:
Read and Watch Everything
The museum is rich with information; don't skip the videos and detailed accounts. :movie_camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully engage with the museum's 4 floors and extensive exhibits. :clock1:
Prepare for Emotional Impact
This is a powerful and emotional experience. Be ready for a moving visit. :pleading_face:
Every Name Counts Project
Participate in the 'Every Name Counts' project by speaking a deportee's name. :microphone:
Read and Watch Everything
The museum is rich with information; don't skip the videos and detailed accounts. :movie_camera:
Respectful Atmosphere
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Kazerne Dossin as a powerful, emotional, and eye-opening experience. The museum is praised for its in-depth historical accounts, poignant personal stories, and the impactful 'Give Them a Face' memorial. While some note it's not highly interactive, its educational value and the importance of remembrance are universally acknowledged.
"A very powerful and eye-opening experience. It offers deep insight into history, and I highly recommend this place."
Hugo Jansen van Rensburg
"A highly emotional and poignant experience in the serene and respectful surroundings of a monument to those persecuted by the Nazi occupation and certain collaborators. A heart of stone would be required to keep from tearing up while you walk the corridors of photos , audio visual commentary , statistics , personal effects , artefacts , horrid stories of torture and the tearing apart of lives and families - men , women , and children . The enormous photo walls of the faces of the 28800+ deportees from Kazerne Dossin of the "Give them a Face" initiative pay tribute to the persecuted and put faces to the numbers. Personalising what the criminal oppressors did everything in their power to de-personalise . In these days of populist, nationalist, xenophobic, repressive , prejudice, and anti immigrant sentiment a visit to museums and sites such as this should be required for all children and adults . It bears witness to the effect of creeping and unopposed discrimination , repression , and racism . Humans are all equal . The events that this shrine was built to immortalise should not fall from our memory now or from the memory of any future generation . We must never forget . #peace (Footnote: Maybe a missed opportunity to give a name and a face and honour to those who saved so many children from being transported - the nuns next door in the convent and Bruno Ceupens for example - who are righteous amongst nations )"
Graham dePenros
"Interesting museum. Not very interactive, but do visit if you want to read more about the history."
Audrey Laurentia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kazerne Dossin is located at Goswin de Stassartstraat 153, 2800 Mechelen. It's easily accessible by public transport. From Mechelen train station, you can take a bus or enjoy a pleasant walk of about 20-25 minutes. Many visitors find it a straightforward journey. 
While direct parking at the barracks might be limited, there are several public parking garages in Mechelen city center, a short walk from the museum. Consider parking at 'Grote Markt' or 'Zonien' for convenience.
Absolutely! Mechelen is conveniently located between Brussels and Antwerp, making Kazerne Dossin an excellent addition to a day trip. The train journey from either city is short.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kazerne Dossin is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current opening hours and any potential closures before your visit.
Admission prices can vary, but generally, there's a fee for adults and concessions for students and seniors. Check the official Kazerne Dossin website for the latest ticket prices and any special offers.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or if you plan to visit on a weekend. This helps ensure entry and can sometimes save you time.
Kazerne Dossin is a place of remembrance and historical education. While it can be a powerful learning experience for older children and teenagers, parents should consider the sensitive nature of the content.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Give Them a Face' project aims to honor every single deportee by displaying their portrait. Currently, there are around 21,000 portraits, with more added annually, ensuring that each individual is remembered.
Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum and the barracks. If you plan to read all the information and watch all the videos, you might need even more time.
The museum is more focused on historical accounts, personal stories, and statistics rather than being highly interactive. However, the 'Every Name Counts' project offers a unique participatory element.
The museum, located across the street, provides a comprehensive overview of the Holocaust and human rights. The original barracks house a separate exhibition that offers a more direct connection to the historical site of deportation.
Information on guided tours can be found on the official Kazerne Dossin website. They often offer in-depth insights and can enhance your understanding of the historical context.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kazerne Dossin itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, Mechelen city center, a short walk away, offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants for lunch or a snack.
It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside the museum and memorial areas to maintain the respectful atmosphere. There are usually designated areas or cafes nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is often restricted inside the museum to protect the exhibits and maintain a respectful environment. Check for signage or ask staff for specific guidelines regarding photography.
While interior photography might be limited, the exterior of the barracks and the memorial areas can be photogenic. The 'Give Them a Face' wall, if permitted, is a powerful visual.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the content is sensitive, the museum's presentation is designed to be informative and thought-provoking. Consider discussing the visit beforehand and being present to answer questions. The 'Give Them a Face' wall and the 'Every Name Counts' project can be particularly engaging for younger visitors, offering a tangible way to connect with history.
+1🤔 History Enthusiasts
With four floors of exhibits, including personal artifacts, extensive documentation, and survivor testimonies, history buffs will find a wealth of information. The opportunity to explore the original barracks adds another layer of historical immersion.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
+1Take your time to absorb the exhibits at your own pace, perhaps discussing your thoughts and feelings with your companion. The 'Give Them a Face' wall and the personal stories shared throughout the museum are particularly resonant for individual contemplation.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Kazerne Dossin
+1The site now serves as a crucial memorial, museum, and documentation center dedicated to the Holocaust and human rights. Its mission is to remember the victims, educate future generations, and promote respect for human dignity. The museum meticulously chronicles the persecution, the deportation process, and the devastating aftermath, ensuring that these events are never forgotten.
+1Visitors can explore the original barracks, which offer a tangible connection to the past, and the modern museum across the street, which houses extensive exhibits. The 'Give Them a Face' project, featuring thousands of portraits of deportees, is a particularly moving testament to the individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
+1Experiencing the Museum and Memorial
Exhibits include personal belongings, camp uniforms, artwork, and extensive statistical data, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the historical events. The audio-visual commentary and personal testimonies from survivors and witnesses add a profound human element to the narrative.
The 'Give Them a Face' initiative is a central feature, with walls adorned by portraits of the deportees. This project aims to personalize the tragedy, ensuring that each number represents an individual with a story. Visitors are also invited to participate in the 'Every Name Counts' project, where they can speak the names of deportees, creating an auditory monument to remembrance.
+1The 'Every Name Counts' Initiative
+1Visitors are invited to record themselves speaking the names of individuals who were deported from Kazerne Dossin. This act creates an auditory archive, a collective voice that honors each person and ensures their memory is preserved. It's a deeply personal and communal way to pay tribute to those who were systematically de-humanized.
+1This project underscores the museum's commitment to ensuring that no one is forgotten. By actively participating, visitors become part of the ongoing effort to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and to learn from its devastating lessons.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit