Maldegem-Eeklo Steam Train

Henry van de Velde

Passenger Carriage K1A 21.043

Kris Vandervorst - Wikimedia

Stationsplein 8, Maldegem

Fancy an extraordinary ride in a historic steam train? The Maldegem-Eeklo steam train gives you the opportunity to travel in an iconic carriage designed by Henry van de Velde. An unmissable experience for train enthusiasts!

Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

Maldegem-Eeklo Steam Train

The Maldegem-Eeklo Steam Train museum railway association operates 20th century trains between the stations of Maldegem and Eeklo. It offers a unique opportunity to travel on a historic steam train. In the early twentieth century, Maldegem station was a lively location, but unfortunately it did not escape the impact of the advance of the automobile. The last passenger train left Maldegem on 26 February 1959. In the late 1980s NMBS stations and other buildings that were vacant were bought by several train enthusiasts. Today the museum railway association gives us the opportunity to explore steam trains and their welcoming carriages, including Henry van de Velde's model.

Passenger Carriage K1A 21.043

The NMBS (National Railway Company of Belgium) attached great importance to the design of railway carriages. On 11 March 1932 the Board of Directors decided to appoint Henry van de Velde as artistic advisor. Van de Velde, a decorative arts pioneer, was a leading representative of Belgian art nouveau, which led to a successful partnership with NMBS. Van de Velde applied his aesthetic vision to the benches, hardware, luggage racks, cane holders and lighting fixtures of the K 1 carriages. Coherence was of particular importance when it came to the woodwork, copperwork, upholstery, carpets and headrests. The NMBS logo, designed by Jean de Roy, was also influenced by van de Velde.

Kris Vandervorst - Wikimedia