Criticism of new war museum in Ypres

The War Heritage Institute, which falls under defense, wants to house a depot in several sheds on the military domain along the Kemmelseweg, with material from the Cold War, including tanks and cannons, material that is now scattered everywhere. The depot would also be a museum at the same time. The first tank arrived yesterday, but the opening would not be for another 5 years.

When the plans were announced in March last year, the city council reacted positively. “If the Ministry of Defense plans to house a fairly large museum here, then that is an extra asset for a tourist city like Ypres, said alderman Philip Bolle at the time.

But opposition party CD&V sees it differently. “Ypres is a city of peace,” says municipal councilor Jan Breyne, “With this museum, the city is sending the wrong signal”.

Franky Bostyn, deputy director of the WHI disputes this criticism: “The museum will be strongly educational. Children will gain insight into our history of conflict. We have to show that in the past we have fought hard for the freedom we have today.”

Next week, the arrival of the museum will again be on the table during the city council.