Collections des Arts décoratifs
Tournai porcelain and faience from the 18th and 19th centuries, with silverware, shown in more than twenty display cases in the crypt of the Town Hall; free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The collections of the former Musée des Arts décoratifs of the City of Tournai are now displayed in the crypt of the Town Hall, rue Saint-Martin. Much of the Tournai faience and porcelain collection has been on show there since autumn 2021, in more than twenty display cases.
Tournai porcelain is linked to the history of the city and known throughout the world. Its production flourished from the 18th century, with craftsmen renowned for reproducing meticulous decorations, often inspired by nature: flowers, birds and rural landscapes.
The route follows themes and, as far as possible, the chronological order of production: the two “aux oiseaux de Buffon” services, including the one commissioned in 1787 by the Duke of Orléans; the early days of the manufactory and the intermediate period (1751–1762) with the two emblematic Tournai decorations, the Ronda and the Mouche; the late period (1763–1775) and the third period, marked by the Louis XVI style; then the many blue decorations of the 19th century. Sculpted groups and a few pieces of Tournai silverware from the 17th to the 19th century complete the display.
Highlights
- More than twenty display cases of Tournai porcelain and faience from the 18th and 19th centuries
- “Aux oiseaux de Buffon” services, including the one commissioned by the Duke of Orléans in 1787
- Emblematic decorations of the manufactory: the Ronda and the Mouche
- Sculpted groups and Tournai silverware from the 17th to the 19th century
- Free entry, in the crypt of the Town Hall
Permanent exhibition
- Collections des Arts décoratifs dans la crypte de l'Hôtel de Ville – Display of Tournai porcelain and faience, arranged by theme and, as far as possible, in chronological order, with sculpted groups and silverware.
- Operated by
- Ville de Tournai
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Group visits with a tour guide are possible by prior booking with the Tourist Office. |
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Free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The entrance is at the Town Hall, rue Saint-Martin 52, Tournai.
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 |
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| Good to know | Guided group visits by reservation through the Tournai Tourist Office. According to the Tourist Office (groups brochure 2022), the guided tour of the crypt lasts one hour. |
