Maison de la Poterie
Interpretation centre for the Bouffioulx stoneware pottery (Châtelet): three-level route, know-how of master potters and workshops for groups.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bouffioulx has a unique heritage in Belgium: its stoneware and its potters. The City of Châtelet wanted to showcase this legacy by creating a major tourist attraction, the Maison de la Poterie, housed on rue Général Jacques in the building of the former Guérin pottery. The project, launched under the European Objective 1 programme, is complemented by a tourist office that also serves as a starting point for other sites in the town, such as the Sébastopol nature reserve or the Magritte promenade.
The interpretation centre traces, over three levels of permanent exhibition, the history and origins of pottery in Bouffioulx and the municipality, the stages of manufacture, the work and art of the potters, the products and glazes, and the different uses of these products. It highlights the ancestral know-how of the town’s master potters and shows the importance of this trade for an industrial region in transition.
The information panels are available in French, Dutch, English and German. For groups, the house organises guided visits and modelling and throwing workshops by appointment, led by a master potter.
Highlights
- Permanent three-level route devoted to the stoneware pottery of Bouffioulx
- Know-how of master potters, manufacture, glazes and uses of the products
- Housed in the former Guérin pottery
- Panels in four languages and modelling or throwing workshops for groups
- Tourist office on site
Permanent exhibition
- Espace permanent sur trois niveaux – Scenographic route on the history and origins of stoneware pottery in Bouffioulx, the stages of manufacture, the glazes and the uses of the products.
- Operated by
- Ville de Châtelet
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Seniors, students and children |
| Children & teens | €1.50free up to age 5 · Free for children under 6. |
| Seniors | €1.50 |
| Students & apprentices | €1.50 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €1.50 per personGroups of 15 or more people: €1.50 per person; school groups of 15 or more pupils: €1 per pupil; one accompanying person free per group of at least 15 people. |
| Throwing workshop (groups, minimum 15 people) | €5Per person, in addition to the visit price; only with a guided visit; duration about 1 hour. |
| Modelling workshop (groups, minimum 15 people) | €2.50Per person; duration about 1 hour. |
Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
Guided tour free in French; other languages on request at an additional charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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 site states that the house is accessible to people with specific needs (PMR mention at CM Tourisme) and that dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Modelling workshop ideal for children (groups of at least 15 people) and birthday party for at least 10 children: modelling workshop, guided visit adapted to age and use of the room (€5 per child, €7.50 with a candle-making workshop).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Nearest station: Châtelet (Châtelineau), about 35 minutes on foot along the RAVeL; or TEC bus line 137 from Châtelet station to the centre of Bouffioulx.
By car
Free parking
Free parking for coaches and cars.
By car: motorway E42 Mons–Liège, east ring road exit, then R3 towards Philippeville and Beaumont, exit 10 “Châtelet”.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop; catering service and reception café for groups. Many dining options in the town centre and nearby.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided individual visits; guided visits, modelling and throwing workshops, birthday parties and catering for groups are by appointment only. Information panels in French, Dutch, English and German. |
