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Museum

The Port Museum

Dunkerque, Opal Coast

About this place

Located in the heart of a former tobacco warehouse dating back to 1868, the Port Museum showcases the history and evolution of the Port of Dunkirk, the major maritime gateway to northern France and the country’s third-largest port.

A visit to this museum traces the origins of Dunkirk, from its beginnings as a small fishing hamlet, through the Age of Privateering and the exploits of Jean Bart, the famous privateer from Dunkirk, to the prosperous era of the Icelandic fishing industry. You’ll discover each major historical milestone in the port’s development, from its imposing fortifications designed by Vauban to its reconstruction after World War II and its commercial and industrial boom. You’ll get to know the people of that era and experience the lives—closely tied to the port—of the seafaring men and women. You’ll gain insight into the evolution of various maritime trades as well as that of ships over the centuries.

You’ll explore the two light vessels, the Sandettie (1949) and the Dyck (1912)—both designated as historic monuments—the three-masted training ship Duchesse Anne (1901), also a designated historic monument, and the barge Guilde (1929) round out this tour. Educational activities are available for children.

To gain insight into the day-to-day operations of the port, a sightseeing tour is available by bus or boat, as well as a visit to the Risban Lighthouse.

What to do nearby?

Upcoming events in Dunkerque.

Culture 1 August → 30 September

Traditional Shipbuilding on the Opal Coast

Dunkerque

Traditional shipbuilding from the Opal Coast awaits you in Dunkirk on August 1, 2026. This exhibition immerses you in the world of traditional boatbuilding along our coastline, particularly the flobart and the dundee. You’ll discover the different stages of building a boat, from design to launch. The exhibition offers you the opportunity to explore the skills and techniques used by boatbuilders on the Opal Coast. This will give you a deeper understanding of our region’s history and culture. This cultural event is a unique experience not to be missed by enthusiasts of maritime history and local heritage.
Culture 1 August → 30 September

Shipyards: A Photographic Archive of Dunkirk's Industrial History

Dunkerque

Shipyards are an important part of the past and present of the Port of Dunkirk. The exhibition “Shipyards: Photographic Archives of Dunkirk’s Industrial History” brings together photographs from the museum’s collections and highlights several major shipyards: Ziegler, Ateliers et Chantiers de France, and Béliard & Crighton. The exhibition continues with contemporary photographs taken during the restoration of the three-masted ship Duchesse Anne at the Damen shipyard.
category.Découverte 6 August

Walking Tour of the Port

Dunkerque

Walking Tour of the Port On August 6, 2026, explore the port of Dunkirk on foot with this 2.5-hour guided tour. The 6.3-kilometer route takes you through the East Port, offering impressive views of port activity. You’ll pass close by the Trystram and Watier locks, walk alongside the Risban Lighthouse, and pass in front of the Damen floating dock. This walking tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Port of Dunkirk. Admission fee applies; reservations required.

Other places to discover

Museum

Arc International

Arques

It is the pride of the city and the world leader in tableware: the Verrerie Cristallerie d'Arques welcomes you to its stunning facility in the Audomarois region. Founded in 1825, the Arques Glass and Crystal Factory pioneered the automated production of crystal using tank furnaces. This technological revolution was inspired by the United States, and glass-blowing machines were gradually introduced. Around 1950, innovations continued as decorating machines were introduced, leading to the creation of the company’s first brand: Luminarc. Thanks to the First Industrial Revolution, machinery was refined, and the very first stemmed glasses began to appear. The products were marketed under the Cristal d’Arques Paris brand around 1968. It was not until 2000 that Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques became Arc International, after establishing sales and production subsidiaries, notably in the United States, Italy, and Spain. Today, Arc International is a world-renowned group—a designer, manufacturer, and distributor—that is increasingly innovative and committed to sustainable development. Discover the design process behind these elegant products during a guided tour of this welcoming facility. You’ll first be introduced to the company and its history; then, a film will reveal all the secrets of glassmaking; finally, you’ll get a hands-on experience with a tour of an authentic production facility. Don’t forget to stop by the store in Arc, which offers its own products, fresh out of the kiln.
Museum

Art & Culture Interpretation Center - CIAC

Bourbourg

A space for discovery and exchange, this venue offers numerous events and activities centered around a rich cultural program that blends various artistic disciplines and media. Throughout the year, it hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of gatherings, readings, and lectures, as well as hands-on art workshops. All of these events allow the public to become familiar with the work “Chorus of Light” by artist Anthony Caro, installed in the church in Bourbourg.
Museum

Espace Tourville - Jean-Bart Construction Site

Gravelines

The Espace Tourville in Gravelines focuses on the full-scale construction of the Jean Bart, a 17th-century first-rate ship (57 m long, 12 to 17 m high, 6 m draft). Set within its artisan village on the edge of Gravelines’ historic harbor, the ship was built by the Association using the same methods and materials as in the past.
Museum

Hondschoote City Hall and Municipal Museum

Hondschoote

Built in the 16th century (1558, the date visible in the center of the cornice) of sandstone and white stone, City Hall features elements from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The imposing façade catches the eye with its gables adorned with “pas de moineaux” and the coats of arms of the families who have shaped the town’s history. Inside is the former courtroom, decorated with panels depicting the town’s history. In the city council chamber, one can see, among other things, the painting of the Battle of Hondschoote (1793)—a gift to the city in 1852 from Alphonse de Lamartine, then a member of the National Assembly—as well as a portrait of Baron Coppens, husband of Marie Bart, niece of the famous Dunkirk privateer Jean Bart. Their grandson was married to Lamartine’s sister.On the first floor, a small museum houses several paintings from the church as well as a series of “Neufs Preuses.” Unlike the façade, the rear of City Hall is constructed of brick. The illusion of seeing bottles in certain places is due to the presence of the Bruges arch. This rear section is also distinguished by a tower and a bulbous bell turret covered with slate. For information and tours (by reservation only), contact Terre de Flandre Tourisme.
Museum

The International Center for Lace and Fashion

Calais

Formerly the Boulart factory, the Cité internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode welcomes you to the heart of its history and cultural offerings in the St-Pierre district, the historic center of Calais lace-making. As you stroll through its galleries, you’ll discover the various methods of lace-making, from the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century through the advancements in looms to the present day—and even beyond, as there’s a gallery showcasing future technological innovations in lace. Featuring architecture designed by architects Alain Moatti and Henri Rivière, the site has undergone numerous expansions that blend authenticity with contemporary design; the long facade of screen-printed glass attached to the original building is a true nod to the Jacquard cartoons of the Leavers looms. This former factory, which remained in operation until 2000, now houses a restaurant overlooking the Cité’s inner courtyard, a boutique on the canal side, an auditorium for hosting cultural events, and a documentation center featuring a specialized library and a lace archive. The Cité also offers workshops to visitors eager to learn the techniques of this art form, allowing them to create their own lace pieces. Finally, temporary exhibitions, lectures, and fashion shows are regularly organized there, allowing everyone to experience the world of the greats—Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, and many others.
Museum

La Maison de la Beurière

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Built on the side of the cliff, Boulogne’s fishing district, La Beurière, has always been a very unique community. Moreover, it is a magnificent place where stair-step streets wind down toward the shore and the harbor. During World War II, the bombings that struck this densely populated neighborhood scattered the community. Only one street has been preserved almost in its entirety: Rue du Mâchicoulis. It is on this street that the Maison de la Beurière is located, an eco-museum that traces the life of a 20th-century Boulogne seafaring family. As you step inside this authentic fisherman’s house built in 1870, you’ll be moved as you discover: * on the ground floor, the living quarters of a family of sailors around 1900, where the furniture and objects bear witness to a hard and simple life, * on the first floor, the atmosphere and faded colors of this neighborhood: photos, artifacts, and traditional costumes transport you back to the heart of Boulogne’s fishing history, the development of its techniques, and its port, * on the top floor, the library and media center.

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