Practical
Saturday, 21 December, 2024 up to and including Sunday, 20 April, 2025
- 13:30 until 17:00
Venetiaanse gaanderijen
Hoek Zeedijk/Parijsstraat
8400
8400 OOstende
Open van di - zo (13u30 - 17u). Gesloten op 24, 25 en 31 december en 1 januari.
€0, €2, €5, €10
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the city of Ostend, and Tourism Ostend invite you to discover the brand-new science exhibition ‘Testerep and the Sunken Ostend’ at the Venetian Galleries.
At the eastern end of 'Testerep' once flourished the bustling trading city of Ostend. But in 1394, disaster struck: the St. Vincentius Storm destroyed the city, which disappeared beneath the waves.
Through vivid visualisations, the old city comes back to life before your eyes. This exhibition tells a gripping story of survival and rebuilding, showing how the ever-changing sea has shaped lives along our coast for centuries.
Travel back in time and be amazed by historical artefacts and innovative seabed scans. Younger visitors can follow Isabella and Willem, two residents of old Ostend, on an exciting escape game adventure. Plus, you can help build a LEGO model of old Ostend yourself.
VUB archaeologist Soetkin Vervust: "We are reconstructing 5,000 years of coastal history"
If you say you're researching the sunken island of Testerep, does the average person know what you're talking about?
"People who live along the coast usually have a vague idea. But outside of that area, I notice it’s not really common knowledge that the place names Westende, Middelkerke, and Ostend are all linked to the fact that they were once located on an island. People are always surprised: 'Really?' they say. 'How interesting!' It’s always a good way to kick off a conversation. Testerep sparks the imagination."
TESTEREP x VRIJE UNIVERSITIET BRUSSEL
Thanks to the groundbreaking work of Flemish scientists — led by VUB landscape archaeologist Soetkin Vervust — medieval Ostend is coming back to life in a way you've never seen before.
Using advanced techniques like innovative seabed scans and historical 3D reconstructions, VUB scientists have put the mysterious island of Testerep back on the map.
Come and discover how their dedication and scientific insights unravel the past, inspiring us to better understand the future. From archaeological discoveries to digital storytelling — this exhibition brings science to life!
Do you also want to dig into the past? Are you eager to explore the role of water in the human environment?
Discover our study programmes in Dutch:
ARCHEOLOGIE GESCHIEDENIS GEOGRAFIE
Discover our study programmes in English:
MARINE AND LACUSTRINE SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
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