Guldendal

For centuries, the Guldendal was part of the farm belonging to the Prinsenkasteel. This castle farm was constructed in the 17th century. The so-called stables, which currently constitute the Guldendal, were remodelled and restored numerous times during the 20th century. They were purchased by the municipality of Grimbergen in 1978 and have served as the main building of the museum since 1980. It is the museum’s administrative seat and the base of operations of its staff.

On the Guldendal location, the museum has established a smithy and a shoeing stock for smithing demonstrations. There is a natural play area in front of the building where the children can play in the green. Behind the building is a well which is used during the Water Wells Workshop. In 2022 we will start with the construction of a brand new half-timbered workshop at the back of the Guldendal.

Near the Guldendal

Since 2013, a mill has stood turning gently in the wind on the roundabout on Prinsenstraat. It is a wind turbine: a metal windmill that turns to face the wind and can therefore run unmanned. Since the 19th century, such mills have been widely used to drain polders, pump water or generate electricity.

The MOT has set up this wind turbine not just to attract people’s notice, but also as a good example of the use of wind power as a natural source of energy.