Centre d'interprétation de la pierre de Gobertange

About the museum

The interpretation centre, nicknamed “Le Gob”, is devoted to the white Gobertange stone, named after a hamlet in the village of Mélin. Quarried for more than 2,000 years and used since Gallo-Roman times, it is found throughout the buildings of Jodoigne and several surrounding villages, and even on the Grand-Place in Brussels.

The centre is housed on the ground floor of the Hôtel des Libertés, on the Grand-Place of Jodoigne, an 18th-century building largely built of Gobertange stone. It shares its space with the reception of the Maison du Tourisme du Brabant wallon. The centre was created to fill a gap: the region had no place dedicated to this stone.

The visit explains the techniques of extraction and cutting from antiquity to the present day, and the social condition of the families of quarrymen and stonecutters. It draws on texts, photographs, videos, local stones and tools, as well as stones from the Cathedral of Saint Gudula in Brussels. Guided tours and themed walks complete the route.

Highlights

• History and uses of Gobertange stone for more than 2,000 years
• Techniques of extracting and cutting the stone
• Local stones and tools, including stones from the Cathedral of Saint Gudula
• Life of the families of quarrymen and stonecutters
• Free entry into a building made of Gobertange stone

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente sur la pierre de Gobertange – The history of the stone, extraction and cutting techniques, local stones and tools, and the working conditions of quarrymen and stonecutters.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the centre is free; only the guided tour is paid.

Accessibility

• 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 Walloon Brabant tourist directory lists the centre as accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The centre is on the ground floor of the Hôtel des Libertés, on the Grand-Place of Jodoigne.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop and toilets; the centre shares its space with the reception of the Maison du Tourisme du Brabant wallon.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit