Centre Marcel Marlier
Interpretation centre in an annexe of the Château des Comtes in Mouscron, devoted to illustrator Marcel Marlier and his heroine Martine.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centre Marcel Marlier occupies a renovated annexe of the Château des Comtes in Mouscron. This castle, built between the 14th and 15th centuries, saw four great noble families succeed one another over six centuries; Charles V stayed there during a visit, and Protestant rebels, the Hurlus, occupied it for three months. What remains is a manor house in the Tournai style, a lower courtyard with traces of outbuildings, and a moat.
The centre opened on 29 September 2015 and devotes its route to Marcel Marlier, born in Herseaux on 18 November 1930 and died in Tournai on 18 January 2011. A children's book illustrator, he is known for bringing to life, together with scriptwriter Gilbert Delahaye, Martine, the heroine of a long series of albums.
The exhibition route spans two floors. Sketches, books, documents and objects sit alongside animated videos and games: visitors of all ages follow a playful, interactive walk through the artist's world, from his beginnings to the creation of Martine. All content is available in French and Dutch. The centre also offers workshops, holiday courses, birthday parties, school visits and events, and hosts temporary exhibitions that are free to visit.
Highlights
- Route through the world of Marcel Marlier and Martine
- Animated videos, games and interactive displays for all ages
- Housed in an annexe of the Château des Comtes (14th–15th century)
- Content in French and Dutch
- Access-i certification, Braille and audio description
Permanent exhibition
- Dessine-moi Martine : parcours d'exposition – Two-floor route devoted to Marcel Marlier and Martine, with sketches, books, documents, objects, animated videos and games.
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- Ville de Mouscron
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4.50Seniors from 60, children up to 14, students, people with reduced mobility and large families |
| Children & teens | €4.50free up to age 0 · Children up to 14; free for children under one. |
| Seniors | €4.50From 60. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4.50 |
| Students & apprentices | €4.50On presentation of a valid student card. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4.50 per personFrom 10 people (accompanying adults included), by reservation only, at least one week in advance; a guide is compulsory. Children and school groups: €4; one free accompanying adult per group. |
| Families | €4.50Large family rate on presentation of a valid large family card. |
| Adult resident in Mouscron | €5 |
| Combined ticket Centre Marlier / Musée de folklore – adult | €8.50 |
| Combined ticket Centre Marlier / Musée de folklore – child from age 6 and student | €5.50 |
Free admission: Free entry on the first Sunday of the month; free for all Martines and Marcels on presentation of an identity card.
Article 27: €1.25. Teachers with a teacher card: free. Free for holders of the Passeport 365.be. Access to temporary exhibitions is free and independent of the interpretation centre. Guided tours in French at no extra cost; a supplement applies for Dutch.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
Access-i certified centre. Reserved parking space in the castle courtyard, near the entrance (the public car park is more than 100 metres away), drop-off point, automatic entrance door, lift, and adapted toilets with an accessible basin. Assistance dogs admitted; audio description available and labels translated into Braille.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 0 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €4.50 · Large family rate on presentation of a valid large family card. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Playful and interactive route with animated videos and games. Easter and summer holiday courses for children aged 6 to 12, workshops and events around Martine. Birthday parties for ages 6 to 12 (5 to 10 children, €9 per child, booking required).
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking more than 100 metres from the entrance; one space reserved for people with reduced mobility in the castle courtyard.
- Accessible parking
The centre is in an annexe of the Château des Comtes; the Musée de folklore vie frontalière is offered as a combined ticket.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are compulsory for groups (book at least one week in advance). All content of the centre is available in French and Dutch. School programme and catalogue of workshops within the Parcours d'éducation culturelle et artistique. |
