Espace Muséal d'Andenne
Museum housed in Le Phare in Andenne: an exhibition on ceramics and on the excavations of the Scladina cave, with the Neanderthal child.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Espace Muséal d'Andenne (EMA) is housed in Le Phare, an emblematic building in the town centre that also houses the library, the tourist office and a panoramic terrace on the fifth floor. Le Phare was converted from the former teacher-training college of the 1930s, unused since the 1990s and home to one of Belgium's last Art Deco swimming pools. In 2015 the City of Andenne obtained support from the European Regional Development Fund and from Wallonia; the renovation, with a budget of about €8.9 million, was entrusted to Gillion Construct with the AIUD studio and the architect Rudy Ricciotti, for a 3,500 m² building with passive-house characteristics.
The museum presents a modern, interactive display around two themes. The first is prehistory: each year new fossil bones come to light in the caves of Andenne, but the most important are those of the Scladina Neanderthal child, the most spectacular Belgian anthropological discovery of the 20th century. The second is ceramics, a craft mastered in the region since Antiquity, with the conservation and restoration techniques used for the objects on display.
The cultural mediation team combines the expertise of two institutions: the Musée de la céramique and the Scladina Cave Archaeological Centre. The cave, located 6 km from the centre of Andenne, is the only permanent excavation site in Belgium open to visitors; it can be visited by reservation through the online ticket office.
Highlights
- Remains of the Neanderthal child from the Scladina cave
- Trail on Andenne ceramics: materials, craftsmanship, conservation and restoration
- Modern, interactive displays for children and adults alike
- Visit to the Scladina cave, the only permanent excavation site open to the public in Belgium
- Panoramic terrace on the fifth floor of Le Phare
Permanent exhibitions
- Au cœur de la Préhistoire – The prehistoric remains from the caves of Andenne, including the Scladina Neanderthal child, presented as a scientific adventure alongside the researchers.
- Au cœur de la céramique – Materials, knowledge and craftsmanship of Andenne ceramics, with the conservation and restoration techniques used for the objects on display.
- Founded
- 2020
- Operated by
- Ville d'Andenne
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5People from Andenne, seniors, jobseekers, people with reduced mobility, groups of 15 or more, students under 26 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
| Seniors | €5On presentation of proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Students under 26. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €5 per personGroups of at least 15 people. One free accompanying adult per school group, youth movement or vulnerable group. |
Free admission: Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
The ticket gives access to the permanent exhibition and the terrace. 20% discount on presentation of the VisitWallonia Pass, the discount voucher from the 365 magazine or Walcome Loisirs. Free admission upon proof for holders of Article 27, Belgian teaching staff, journalists, ICOM members, holders of the Passeport 365+ and of the Pass Musées (sold at the ticket office); also free for school groups from the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. Payment in cash or by card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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
Le Phare holds the Access-i label (certified by the non-profit Access and Go). Step-free access and lifts to all areas; wheelchairs, rollators and seat canes available. Accessible parking spaces less than 50 m away, in the Frère-Orban car park and opposite number 29 on the Promenade des Ours. Ring the entrance bell if you need help opening the door.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Interactive displays suited to children. Workshops, courses and birthday parties for ages 4 to 12; guided and animated visits for schools for pupils aged 2.5 to 18.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
TEC bus lines 12, 13, 19, 38, 42 and 43 to the centre of Andenne; Andenne station is a 15-minute walk from Le Phare.
By car
Parking available
Underground car park at the foot of Le Phare (access via rue Frère-Orban and rue de l'Hôpital), with the first two hours free; 2-hour blue zone on rue Frère-Orban; paid zone along the shopping street; free car park at the Andenne Arena. Coaches: access via rue Frère-Orban.
- Accessible parking
By car: E42 motorway, exit 9 Andenne. By bike: RAVeL 1 Est between Huy and Namur. Le Phare is in the pedestrian eco-district of the Promenade des Ours.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The fifth-floor terrace offers a panoramic view over the Andenne eco-district and the Meuse valley.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free visit: about 2 hours. The mediation service offers themed guided tours, workshops, courses and educational tools; for groups of 15 or more: +32 485 68 31 12 or animation@ema.museum. |
