Fondation Folon

About the museum

In the 1990s Jean-Michel Folon (1934–2005), a Belgian artist known around the world, wanted to bring together in one place the works he had kept throughout his career. Italy and France offered him remarkable sites, but he chose the one offered by the Walloon Region: the Solvay regional estate, a 227-hectare park on the edge of the Soignes forest, about 20 minutes from Brussels, which he had known since childhood.

The Fondation Folon opened to the public in October 2000. It occupies the Zondael farm, built in 1836 to designs by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, below the château of La Hulpe. Together with the firm Art&Build and the scenography agency EuroCulture, Folon designed an immersive and poetic museum, conceived as a total work of art: mirror games, perspective effects, films, light installations and original music by the composer Michel Colombier accompany the visit.

Fifteen rooms display around 350 works: inks, watercolours, paintings, prints, posters, objects and sculptures. Since 2007, temporary exhibition spaces on the upper floor have shed light on other facets of his work or on the work of artists he regarded as his “family of spirit”.

The museum offers guided tours, workshops and activities for schools, families and groups, and carries the ‘Marmaille&Co’ and ‘Approuvé par et pour les enfants’ labels.

Highlights

• Fifteen immersive rooms designed by Folon himself
• Around 350 works: watercolours, prints, posters, sculptures
• Farm dating from 1836 in the Solvay regional estate, 20 minutes from Brussels
• Original music by Michel Colombier
• Family labels ‘Marmaille&Co’ and ‘Approuvé par et pour les enfants’

Permanent exhibition

• Le musée de la Fondation Folon – Fifteen immersive rooms, designed by the artist, show around 350 works: inks, watercolours, paintings, prints, posters, objects and sculptures.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Fondation Folon

Admission & discounts

Free up to and including age 5, and with proof for holders of the museumPASSmusées, ICOM, a press card or the Passeport 365 (the latter not valid for workshops, guided tours and events). Teachers with the Prof card: €6; Article 27: €1.25 with a ticket. Partner of EducPass, Coupon 365, the VIF & KNACK Club and the PASS VisitWallonia.

Accessibility

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

The permanent museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility; the temporary exhibitions, on the upper floor, are not. Wheelchairs, folding stools and glasses for colour-blind visitors are lent at reception. Entry by car into the estate is reserved for people with reduced mobility, who must phone in advance to obtain the access code. Only assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum suits children from age 3; the intergenerational workshops on Wednesdays during school holidays are recommended from age 6. The activity booklet Ludicofolon is on sale at reception (€3). Birthday parties and family visits. Labels ‘Marmaille&Co’ and ‘Approuvé par et pour les enfants’.

Getting there & parking

Cars are not allowed to enter the Solvay regional estate, except for people with reduced mobility who have a code. The estate is a free public park, open every day from 08:00 to 20:00.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi: not available

No Wi-Fi in the museum. La Taverne de l’Homme bleu (independently run, opposite reception) is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00. The Artshop is accessible to everyone during opening hours. Toilets in the courtyard, reserved for museum visitors and tavern customers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Offer for companies: creative team building, an unusual visit or room hire; prices for guiding and workshops on request.

Plan your visit