GRAAF

About the museum

GRAAF is an experience centre in Borgloon about the County of Loon, the medieval territory in what is now Limburg. It opened on 1 October 2024 and tells the story of the counts and of life in that era, with an audio guide, audiovisual animations and original objects. Count Lodewijk I and Countess Agnes of Metz act as host and hostess; the poet Hendrik van Veldeke is also featured.

The centre is housed in two chapels on a historic site just outside the old city walls. Around 1150 the Knights Hospitaller had a Romanesque chapel built in the hamlet of Graethem, the Graethemkapel, which was supported by Count Lodewijk I and his wife. Around 1258 a beguinage is mentioned, which later became a care home. In 1909 a Neo-Gothic chapel was added, designed by architect Pierre Langerock, and since 2003 it has been protected as a monument.

The chapels are no longer used as places of worship. Many original elements have been preserved and were thoroughly restored before the opening, such as the pointed vaults, colourful floor tiles, sculptures and wall paintings.

Highlights

• Experience the County of Loon with an audio guide
• Two restored chapels: a Romanesque and a Neo-Gothic one
• Meeting Count Lodewijk I and Countess Agnes of Metz
• Children's trail for 6- to 12-year-olds and a youth route with Hendrik van Veldeke
• Fully wheelchair-accessible visitor centre

Permanent exhibition

• Belevingsparcours graafschap Loon – With an audio guide, lifelike reconstructions and original objects, you discover life in the medieval County of Loon and get to know Count Lodewijk I and Countess Agnes of Metz.

Founded

2024

Admission & discounts

Tickets are available only at the GRAAF box office.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 visitor centre is fully wheelchair-accessible: there is enough manoeuvring space, and the display cases are at a suitable height and can be approached underneath. There are three toilets, including one for people with reduced mobility. If you have problems during your visit, the staff at the desk will help.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Children aged 6 to 12 follow the children's trail “Later word ik... GRAAF” with a booklet, in which they travel through medieval Loon with the young Hendrik van Veldeke. Young people aged 12 to 18 have their own trail, and adults from 18 years have an adult route. The routes are suitable for pushchairs. There is a changing and breastfeeding room.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is at the back of the chapels.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

For rucksacks and thick coats there are lockers with combination locks, so you don't need a coin.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit