Grotte Scladina

About the museum

The Scladina cave, at Sclayn, about 6 km from the centre of Andenne, was discovered in 1971 by amateur cavers and archaeologists. Scientific excavations have been carried out there since 1978, first by the University of Liège and now under the direction of the Espace muséal d'Andenne, with the support of the Walloon Heritage Agency and the City of Andenne. It has been listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia since 1996 and has been on UNESCO's tentative list since 2019.

The site has yielded tens of thousands of artefacts from the Middle Palaeolithic, including flint tools. In 1993 the discovery of the remains of a young Neanderthal was the most important find of its kind in Belgium for a century.

The cave is presented as the only prehistoric excavation site in Belgium open to the public. It can be visited only with an archaeologist, from a safety walkway that passes above part of the site. Some of the remains are displayed at the Espace muséal d'Andenne, about 5 km away.

Highlights

• The only prehistoric excavation site in Belgium open to the public
• Guided visit with an archaeologist from a walkway above the excavations
• Remains more than 100,000 years old, including a juvenile Neanderthal found in 1993
• Exceptional heritage site of Wallonia since 1996
• Combined ticket possible with the Espace muséal d'Andenne

Permanent exhibition

• Visite guidée du chantier de fouilles – Visit with an archaeologist to an active prehistoric excavation site, from a safety walkway above the cave.

Operated by

Espace muséal d'Andenne (Ville d'Andenne)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of the month, from April to November.

For €2 more, the ticket also gives access to the Espace muséal d'Andenne. Article 27: one ticket; free for teachers and journalists. Payment in cash or by bank card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 cave is not accessible to people with reduced mobility: the access path is steep and includes stairs (about 170 m). Only assistance dogs are admitted. Specific visits are possible on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The archaeologists adapt their talk to families and schools. The steep path is not passable with a pushchair (bring a baby carrier). Changing table in the toilets of the archaeological centre. Birthday parties for ages 4 to 8, at the museum or in the cave.

Getting there & parking

By car: E42 exit 9 Andenne or E411 exit 15 Loyers. By bike via the Meuse RAVeL (EuroVelo 10), Sclayn exit.

Amenities & dining

Toilets in the archaeological centre (not in the cave); a few cold drinks and a free drinking fountain; souvenir shop accessible before and after each guided tour; picnic area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit