Forge-Musée
Ittre forge preserved as it was in 1957, open as a blacksmith and farrier museum; “Forge du Bonheur” wedding ceremonies.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Forge-Musée is a former village forge, the last of the eight forges Ittre once had. It dates from the early 18th century, as shown by a stone shield bearing the inscription “Louis Cordie 1701”. It remained in operation until 1957, when the last blacksmith stopped work.
The name “Forge-Musée” reflects the fact that it is not a museum of ironwork in general, but a working forge whose equipment belonged to the last blacksmith and has remained intact. His old tobacco pouch and two small drinking glasses nicknamed “gendarmes” can still be seen there. The site presents the development of the blacksmith's trade and of forge and farriery tools.
At Christmas 1999, farriery students put the forge back into use for practice. To preserve this heritage, it has remained open to visitors as a museum. Inspired by an old Scottish custom, the “Forge du Bonheur” welcomes newlyweds and couples celebrating anniversaries for a ceremony with a red carpet and a blacksmith in a leather apron: the couples leave with a horseshoe and the “recipe for happiness”.
Highlights
- Forge preserved in the state it was in 1957
- Intact equipment of the last blacksmith
- Forge and farriery tools
- Blacksmith sometimes at work on site during animations
- “Forge du Bonheur” ceremonies for newlyweds
Permanent exhibition
- La forge dans son état de 1957 – Village forge kept intact since its activity ended in 1957, with the tools of the blacksmith and farrier.
- Operated by
- Commune d'Ittre
Admission & discounts
| Groups | €2 per person€2 per adult, with a minimum of €20 per group. |
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No individual rate is published; only the group rate is known.
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 site as accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
“Forge du Bonheur” ceremony for newlyweds and couples celebrating anniversaries, with a horseshoe given as a gift and the “recipe for happiness”.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Weddings / ceremonies
The forge hosts wedding ceremonies and vow renewals (“Forge du Bonheur”), on request via the commune's form.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Visits by reservation, in French. Animations are organised, and the blacksmith sometimes works on site. |
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