Mercator House: Hunting Lodge

In the Mercatorhuis – not coincidentally named after the famous Waasland cartographer – you will discover why Reynaert and the Waasland are mentioned in the same breath. On the basis of atlases and maps from the 16th and 17th centuries, you will get an insight into the historic landscape of Reynaert the fox. Works by Mercator, Hondius, Ortelius and Kaerius show you the most beautiful places in Flanders and the Waasland. The Mercator House is located next to the hunting lodge and the forester's house of the lords of Beveren. The hunting grounds of the Beverenpolder have always belonged to the lords of Beveren. The Cock de Rameyen family was the last large noble family to hunt here. Gust Hollanders was their loyal forester for no less than half a century. In the garden of the Mercator House there are two sculptures by Sophie Ryder. We let Fernand Huts have his say: 'The dancing hares are Cuwaert's children. Cheerful, unaware of any harm, they enjoy the fresh air. In front of the Mercator House, however, you will encounter a warning. Reynaert's gigantic eye sees you! Wherever you go and whatever you do, the fox is everywhere...' You can also admire the beautiful sculptures of Jan Fabre, Wilfried Pas and Nadia Naveau in this garden.

Vossen in Vlaanderen