The restoration of the house in Tremelo (Flemish Brabant), where Father Damien was born, has begun. The house has been a protected monument since 1952 and was in urgent need of repair. When the work is complete, a new permanent exhibition about the family Damien grew up in featuring authentic objects from the past will open on the ground floor.
The birthplace of Jozef De Veuster (Father Damien's birth name) is part of the Damien Museum in Tremelo. Plans to renew the roof, facade, utilities and interior have been agreed with the Heritage agency. Special attention will also be paid to the stove, the stained-glass windows and the ‘upstairs room’ where Damien was born.
New permanent exhibition
After the restoration is complete, the first floor of the house will serve as an office and meeting place for museum staff. The renovated ground floor will host a new permanent exhibition. In the 'best room’, furniture and other interior elements linked to the De Veuster Family will bring Damien's childhood in Tremelo back to life. In the adjoining chapel with its stained-glass windows, authentic Damien objects will be used to tell his life’s story as a missionary in the Hawaiian Islands. Damien's original coffin will also be given a place here.
Opening expected late May 2025
During the restoration work, the house will not be accessible. The reopening is scheduled for Sunday 25 May 2025. You can follow the restoration and furnishing of the birth house closely on this website (in Dutch).