The Passchendaele Museum looks back with satisfaction on the 2025 season, during which we welcomed no fewer than 107.035 visitors. The extensive museum renovation was very positively received by visitors. The updated and more chronological layout, the interactive elements, and the clear narrative generated much enthusiastic feedback. The museum hopes that in 2026 many more visitors will make their way to Zonnebeke to discover these improvements.

"The many positive reactions to the renovation are very gratifying and confirm that we made the right choices. It is especially rewarding to see how both international and local visitors continue to embrace the Passchendaele Museum," said Joachim Jonckheere, chair of the Passchendaele Museum.

In 2025, the Passchendaele Museum welcomed visitors from both Belgium and abroad. The largest group came from Belgium (44%), with strong representation from the United Kingdom (36%) and the Netherlands (11%). This international interest highlights the ongoing relevance of the story of the Battle of Passchendaele and the museum’s role as a place of remembrance.

Local engagement also remained high. More than 1,600 residents of Zonnebeke visited the museum in 2025, discovering (or rediscovering) the renovated exhibition, demonstrating the museum’s continuing value as a part of the local heritage.

A particular highlight this year was the first winter opening, which was warmly received. The positive feedback shows that the museum can attract a wide audience even outside the regular season.

The Passchendaele Museum is currently temporarily closed for maintenance. During this period, they are carrying out painting work, cleaning display cases, and attending to minor repairs. Updates to the renovation are also being implemented based on visitor feedback, to further enhance the museum experience. From 1 February, they will reopen their doors and look forward to welcoming visitors once again to explore the story of the First World War, whether during a museum visit, a lecture, an event, or a commemoration.

The immersive exhibition 'Passchendaele 1917' is part of the museum renovation (Eric Compernolle)