Musée des Francs Arquebusiers

About the museum

The Royal Company of the Francs Arquebusiers of Visé belongs to the tradition of the town's marksmen, whose brotherhood dates back to 1579, and has borne the title “Royal” since the reign of Leopold III. Its museum is housed on the rue Dodémont, in the premises of the salle de l'Alliance, which also serves as a function hall.

It is presented as the smallest museum in Visé, with a local character. It used to occupy a larger room on the first floor, before being moved to the mezzanine during the renovation of the premises.

The collections illustrate the evolution of firearms, from the arquebus to the modern rifle, including Comblain rifles, polearms from the 15th to the 19th century, sabres and medals, sappers' equipment, a pierrier (small swivel gun), drums, old flags and postcards of Visé. One display case is devoted to Saint Martin, patron of the company. Visitors can handle some old weapons, and a black-powder shooting demonstration is often offered.

Highlights

• Polearms from the 15th to the 19th century
• Evolution of firearms, from the arquebus to the Comblain rifle
• Old flags, drums, sabres and medals
• Handling of old weapons and black-powder shooting demonstrations
• Display case devoted to Saint Martin, patron of the company

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente – Polearms, firearms from the arquebus to the Comblain rifle, sabres, medals, sappers' equipment, drums and old flags.

Operated by

Compagnie royale des Francs Arquebusiers de Visé

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. For a guided tour organised with the Société royale archéo-historique de Visé in 2023, the fee was €3 for members and €4 for non-members.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Visitors can handle some old weapons; schools receive an introduction and a short quiz suited to their age.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at rue Dodémont 3, in the salle de l'Alliance, in the centre of Visé.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The salle de l'Alliance (rue Dodémont 3) is available for all kinds of events: balls, lectures, receptions, weddings and concerts. It has a fitted kitchen.

Plan your visit