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Portrait of a man with a note, Alden Biesen

MUSEUM

DOMUS – the Teutonic Order Museum

Discover the world of knights, crusades, and rulers in the imposing moated castle of Alden Biesen. Silent companions, an audio guide, and captivating stories will transport you through the fascinating history and let you judge the past and heritage for yourself.

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION: Unconventional… grand… yet simple. "Haymaking Time: In Dialogue with Raveel" brings forty masterpieces to Limburg in a captivating dialogue with the history of Alden Biesen. Open now (with or without a guide) until 8 March 2026.

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Discover knights, crusades and power in one of Flanders' most beautiful castle domains

The Land Commandery of Alden Biesen is one of Flanders' most beautiful castle domains. For centuries, it was one of the most powerful headquarters of the Teutonic Order, a strategic stronghold of faith, power, and ambition.


At the heart of the historic building complex lies the imposing late medieval moated castle, surrounded by French gardens and an English park. In this unique setting, DOMUS – the Teutonic Order Museum of Alden Biesen – is being built.


Immerse yourself in the world of knights and rulers, experience the Crusades up close and discover how Alden Biesen, in the heart of the Meuse-Rhine region, grew into the nerve centre of a knightly order that helped shape Flanders, the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia for centuries.

Buy your entrance ticket in advance online or simply report to the counter during opening hours.

Two historical robes and portrait, Alden Biesen
PERMANENT COLLECTION

THEY SHARE THEIR TRUTH. YOU FORM YOUR JUDGEMENT.

On the ground floor of the moated castle, our silent companions (lifelike silhouettes) speak to you via an audio guide. They transport you back in time and share their truth.


Hero or occupier? Noble commander or controversial ruler?
History is rarely black and white.

 

In DOMUS, you'll discover diverse stories of Alden Biesen's most illustrious residents and visitors – and form your own opinion.

© City of Bilzen-Hoeselt
Radio play

In God's name. Crusade to Acre

In the castle's cellar, you'll embark on an adventure through a captivating audio drama. Besides the vivid experience, you'll also discover the profound meaning and lasting impact of the Crusades on the world today.


Immerse yourself in the world of the Crusades. Discover the how and why behind this historical phenomenon in a captivating exhibition about ideology, power, and human lives.

 

Young Henric and the clever rat Ziggy take you on a surprising journey through the choices and motivations of crusaders, which are still relevant today. There is a separate children's version.

Restaurant interieur met vrolijke muurschildering

MUSEUMCAFÉ

In het café geniet je van een hapje en drankje in een sfeervol historisch kader. Op de menukaart vind je bovendien enkele gerechten met een knipoog naar het rijke verleden van Alden Biesen.


Het museumcafé is enkel toegankelijk voor bezoekers van het museum of voor deelnemers van een rondleinding tijdens de openingsuren.

Temporary Expo

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Autumn exhibition

Enter a unique exhibition that transports you to the world of Roger Raveel. Discover the fascinating connection between his iconic works and the eight-hundred-year-old Land Commandery. Through paintings and graphic works, this exhibition creates surprising visual and substantive links between the art of the master of Machelen-aan-de-Leie and the grandeur of Alden-Biesen. Be enchanted by the artistic dialogue between past and present! Visit now with or without a guide.

Subcategory

Haymaking Time. In Dialogue with Raveel

1 July 2026

13 September 2026

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Vrouwen in de schaduw van de macht

Met deze expo werpt DOMUS een nieuwe blik op de geschiedenis van Alden Biesen. Deze najaarsexpo brengt vrouwen in beeld die vaak buiten de schijnwerpers bleven, maar wel degelijk invloed hadden op het leven en de betekenis van deze historische plek. Aan de hand van kunstwerken, objecten en documenten ontvouwt zich een verhaal over vrouwelijke kracht, wijsheid en aanwezigheid in de schaduw van de macht.

Subcategory

Dochters van Minerva

15 October 2026

7 March 2027

Family looking at map Alden Biesen

Nestled in the heart of the Haspengouw landscape lies the Alden Biesen Land Commandery, an imposing castle estate that over the centuries developed into one of the most important headquarters of the Teutonic Order in Europe.

With over 260,000 visitors annually, the Land Commandery now plays a pioneering role in Limburg, and Alden Biesen is one of Flanders' leading institutions as a cultural, tourist, and historical centre.

MUSEUM

PRACTICAL

Practical information to make the most of your visit to Alden Biesen.
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