Musée des Arts décoratifs de Namur

About the museum

The museum occupies the Hôtel de Groesbeeck-de Croix, an Enlightenment-era town mansion listed as part of Wallonia’s exceptional heritage. The building originates in the former refuge of the abbey of Villers-en-Brabant, mentioned in the archives from the 13th century. It was remodelled in 1605 and bought in 1688 by the baroness d’Harscamp. From 1751 her grandson Alexandre-François de Groesbeeck had it enlarged and modernised by the architect Jean-Baptiste Chermanne, who turned it into an elegant residence with a long through vestibule, an enfilade of state rooms and small private apartments.

The City of Namur acquired the mansion in 1935, when it had been emptied of its works and much of its decoration. It entrusted the Société archéologique de Namur with creating a public museum there, bringing together collections from several associations and institutions. It is therefore not a private collection bequeathed by a patron, but a museum in constant development, illustrating the everyday life of the aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The collections cover fine and decorative arts from the 17th to the 19th century: historic wall coverings (panelling, tapestries, painted canvases, gilded leather), furniture, paintings, prints, sculpture, silverware, pewter, crystal chandeliers, glassware, faience and porcelain. The French-style garden, designed in 1937 by Hector Mathieu around box parterres, has been restored since 2016 and includes a collection of peonies. Together with the Musée archéologique, the museum forms the Les Bateliers museum complex, run by the City.

Highlights

• Eighteenth-century Enlightenment town mansion, listed as part of Wallonia’s exceptional heritage
• The atmosphere of an eighteenth-century patrician house, with panelling, tapestries and gilded leather
• Furniture, clocks, crystal, faience and porcelain from the 17th to the 19th century
• Paintings, sculpture, silverware and pewter from the Namur region
• French-style garden with box parterres and peonies

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes du Musée des Arts décoratifs – Interiors and collections from the 17th to the 19th century in the Hôtel de Groesbeeck-de Croix: historic decor, furniture, paintings, sculpture, silverware, crystal and faience.

Founded

1936

Operated by

Ville de Namur

Admission & discounts

This is the rate for one museum; the combined ticket gives access to both museums of the complex. Free admission for school classes (FASE number), teachers, journalists and holders of an Article 27 ticket. Temporary exhibitions shown outside the museums are free. The Musée des Arts décoratifs and the Musée archéologique each have their own ticket.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

For people with reduced mobility, the visit is limited to the ground floor. The museum complex has no reserved parking space. Only guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The City’s mediation unit regularly organises creative workshops linked to the museum for groups and families (ages 7 to 77, maximum 20 people).

Getting there & parking

The museum complex is in the heart of Namur, a few steps from place Saint-Aubain.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi for visitors to the museum complex. Visit leaflets at reception in French, Dutch, German, English and Spanish.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Hire of the museums for photo shoots (€500 for 4 hours during opening hours, €650 on Mondays) and for film shoots (€3,000 per day with exclusive use).

Plan your visit