La maison aux avions de Steenwerck

La maison aux avions is a residential home in Steenwerck surrounded by metal sculptures made from recycled and reclaimed materials. The property displays aircraft, military vehicles, and rockets constructed as life-sized outdoor art pieces covering much of the grounds.

Arthur Vanabelle, a self-taught farmer, started building this artistic installation during the 1960s on his own land. Over the following decades, he expanded and refined his collection, creating a legacy that endured beyond his lifetime.

The site reflects the creative vision of a farmer who turned his property into a gallery without formal training or institutional support. Visitors today encounter a deeply personal artistic expression that remains rooted in rural tradition and individual imagination.

The property sits alongside the A25 motorway between Lille and Dunkirk and is visible from the road. Visitors can view the sculptures from outside the grounds or arrange tours by contacting the owners in advance.

Vanabelle created this entire collection alone without professional guidance, developing a wholly independent artistic language. The improvised construction methods and material choices give the sculptures a raw, authentic quality that reflects the maker's instinctive approach to creation.