La Maison des Géants

About the museum

In 1995 the City of Ath bought the former townhouse of the Cambier family, makers of bentwood chairs, and launched major restoration work with European funds and the support of the Commissariat général au Tourisme de Wallonie. Léon Cambier had extended the residence before 1909 with an Italian-style villa whose façade is decorated with faience, extended by a greenhouse and an orangery, with a park at the back including a large pond.

The museum devoted to the phenomenon of processional giants, very widespread in Belgium, France and Spain, opened in 2000. In 2011 several objects, including the heads of the giants of the Ath ducasse, were classified by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.

Closed in 2022 for renovation, the museum reopened in 2024 with a new display and a broader theme: it now also tells the history of the town and its local heritage. The collections of the former Musée d'Histoire et de Folklore, the works kept by the City and those of the CPAS are presented, with paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, posters and photographs. The seven emblematic giants of the Ath ducasse are the central figures, and a multilingual mobile app guides the visit.

Highlights

• The seven emblematic giants of the Ath ducasse, symbols of Ath folklore
• Cambier townhouse with Italian-style villa, greenhouse and orangery
• New display opened in 2024 combining giants, the history of the town and Ath art collections
• Audio guide app in three languages with four thematic routes
• Interactive games in the “Coin des curieux” for children

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente de la Maison des Géants – Route through the seven giants of the Ath ducasse, the history of the town and the Ath art collections, presented in a display renovated in 2024.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Ville d'Ath

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month: free admission; during occasional thematic activities, only the guided tour is paid.

Free admission on presentation at reception of cards such as the museumPASSmusées, the Passeport 365 or the ICOM card. Animated visits for schools and children's groups: rates on the website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Route adapted for people with reduced mobility: accessible toilets, lift and ramps outside. Guided tours in sign language by reservation. Several accessible parking spaces near the entrance. Animals not admitted, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The “Coin des curieux” offers interactive games throughout the rooms: “Qui est-ce ?”, a mystery fabric, a wheel of accessories and a cube puzzle. Games booklets from age 4 and a Family route in the app. Animated visit “Toc, toc, qui est là ? Un géant” (1 hour 30 minutes, children aged 5 to 11): €8 per child from 10 children; below that, €8 per adult and €5 per child plus a flat fee of €50. Birthday parties for ages 5 to 8, and the “Meurtre au musée” detective game for ages 8 to 15 (€250 for up to 14 people, including up to 4 adults).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with items about Ath, its ducasse and the giants. An adjoining brewery, planned with the Tourist Office, is due to open near the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit