Lange Max Museum, Military museum in Koekelare, Belgium.
The Lange Max Museum is a military museum in Koekelare, Belgium, displaying heavy German artillery and wartime structures from the First World War on the grounds of a former farm. The site combines outdoor remains with indoor exhibits and multimedia presentations that explain the role this location played during the conflict.
The Lange Max gun, a 38 cm SK L/45, was installed at Koekelare as part of Batterie Pommern during the First World War. In 1917 it bombarded Dunkirk, about 45 km away, and also Ypres. The site later became a noted stop on interwar battlefield tours before the museum opened in October 2014.
The displays show how the war changed daily life in this part of Belgium, through objects and documents about both soldiers and civilians. The local community's experience during the occupation comes through clearly as you move through the exhibits.
Audio guides in several languages are available, making it easy to move through the exhibits at your own pace. Guided tours can be arranged for groups who want a closer look at the stories behind the site.
The original concrete foundations of the gun platform are still visible on the grounds, giving a sense of how large the installation truly was. A restored German military bakehouse stands nearby, showing how food was prepared for the soldiers stationed here.
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