Overview

Very, very interesting museum about the transportation of Jews from all over Belgium and Northern France, through this Kazerne, to the extermination camps during WWII. It dealt with the perceptions of the Jews up until transportation, and the collusion of the Belgian officials. First the is a film about racism and genocide around the world. It focuses on antisemitism, but also includes genocides in Rwanda, Belgian Congo, Namibia etc. It shows how it begins with bullying of anyone who is "different". Excellent film The first floor ("Mass" - the run up to the holocaust. Pre-WWII) deals with the way in which the feelings of the "masses" in Europe were swayed against Jews by propaganda and antisemitic messages, the split in Germany between the Communists and Nazis after the WWI defeat, and the huge influx of Jews escaping from Germany and the Soviet Union. The second floor ("Fear") dealt with the discrimination against Jews in Germany and Belgium, and the way in which the Belgian officials often went way beyond what was expected of them by their Nazi overlords in the identification and rounding up of Jews. Brussels was the only exception. Jews would be kept at the Kazerne until there were enough for a full transport to the extermination camps. The third floor ("Death") was the most chilling. It still makes me emotional writing this nearly a year after. The central aisle had on the right side pictures of the deported concentration camp victims contrasting hugely with the happy concentration camp leaders, 'doctors' and admin staff on the left, enjoying the sun, holidays, life ... Always in your eyes as you moved towards it, in the centre was a railroad - ending at a concentration camps entrance. Throughout, there was an overwhelming mass of information, witness statements (written and spoken), mementos of survivors - and those who perished. Everything is translated into English A very emotional and informative visit, that we would very, very highly recommend

Transport & Parking

We parked outside on the street - plenty of spaces free. All street parking in Mechelen is free for Blue Badge holders

Access

Fully step free access (smooth flooring) with lifts to all floors. Very easy to self-propel around, and view all the exhibits in a wheelchair

Toilets

Very accessble toilets, in the basement. Not overly well signposted - we had to ask. Took us a while to work out how to get into them - turned out they were touch button entry - we were looking for a handle!

Staff

very friendly and helpful

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is a must-see if you are in Mechelen - also worth GOING to Mechelen to see the Kazerne

Photos