Au cœur de l'Ardoise

About the museum

The Morépire slate quarry worked a vein of shale some 400 million years old in the Aise valley near Bertrix. Unlike other mines, extraction took place from the bottom upwards, in a deposit inclined at 45 degrees, where some 400 metres of galleries were dug. The mine belonged to the Pierlot family and ceased operation in 1976, after about 90 years of work by the “scailtons”, the slate workers of the region.

The museum opened in 1996 as part of the Domaine de la Morépire. The visit descends 25 metres underground by a staircase and follows a route of about one kilometre through the galleries, the large chambers blasted out with explosives, the rails and the small wagons. A multilingual audio guide, played through speaker stands, accompanies visitors; intercoms and cameras ensure their safety. Since 2010 a new staircase and two additional rooms have been accessible.

The estate also has a museum space set up in the former departure hall for the depths, which has recently opened to the public, as well as a shop and a café. The mine and the surface facilities are currently being renovated, without interrupting visits.

Highlights

• Descent 25 metres underground and a route of about one kilometre
• Galleries, large chambers blasted with explosives, rails and wagons
• Multilingual audio guide (French, Dutch and Walloon)
• Guided tour by a former miner, by reservation
• New museum space in the former departure hall

Permanent exhibitions

• Visite souterraine de l'ardoisière de la Morépire – A route of about one kilometre 25 metres underground, through galleries, chambers blasted with explosives and wagons, with an explanation of the geology of the shale and the working conditions of the miners.
• Espace muséal – Museum space set up in the former departure hall for the depths, accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Founded

1996

Admission & discounts

Individual rates for the underground visit. The site also offers an aperitif visit with an underground tasting (groups of at least 10 people, by reservation).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The new museum space and the shop are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Going down into the mine is by staircase.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Child rate for ages 6 to 12. The audio guide through speakers lets you talk with children while listening. School day programme: a guided mine tour with a former miner, a picnic and a high ropes course supervised by Cap Nature (from 1.30 m).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café and shop on site (the “Ligne Ardoise” range made on site, stones and minerals, costume jewellery, decorated slates, craft aperitifs). Aperitifs and meals underground are offered to groups.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Company days, family days and association gatherings; private hire of spaces (pagoda tents), catering for up to 300 people, and sporting, nature and cultural activities with partners.

Plan your visit