Musée Armand Pellegrin

About the museum

The museum grew out of the collection of Armand Pellegrin, a primary school teacher at the school in Opheylissem. To celebrate the centenary of Belgium, he had set up a teaching corner in his school devoted to education in the past. The success of this initiative gave rise to a real museum. Maurice Dewolf, a former pupil of the teacher, helped him from the start and became its curator.

The museum is now housed in a former municipal school on rue du Moulin, about 400 metres from the château d'Hélécine. It has been renovated and includes a reconstructed 20th-century classroom with its desks, exercise books and maps, display cases of educational objects, a room for temporary exhibitions and a room devoted to local artists.

The collection brings together objects used by pupils and teachers in the past: alphabet primers, globes, measuring instruments and everyday school memorabilia. Guided or storytelling tours, in French and Dutch, are offered to families, groups and schools.

Highlights

• Reconstructed 20th-century classroom
• Rare educational objects: alphabet primers, globes, measuring instruments
• Guided or storytelling tours in French and Dutch
• Free entry to self-guided visits on the first Sunday of the month
• Café, covered terrace and the museum's own beers

Permanent exhibition

• Salle de classe d'autrefois et objets pédagogiques – A reconstructed 20th-century classroom and a collection of educational objects used by pupils and teachers in the past.

Operated by

Commune d'Hélécine

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month: free entry for self-guided visits

Self-guided visits are free of charge for school groups from the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (nursery, primary and secondary), with educational support. Specific rates may apply to certain events or guided tours; the amount must be requested from the museum.

Accessibility

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

The Brabant wallon tourist directory lists the museum as accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Storytelling tours for young and old, school visits in a classroom from the past, exhibitions and activities around local folklore.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the left-hand side of the road, about 400 metres past the château d'Hélécine. Accessible by car, public transport or bicycle (“Bienvenue vélo” label).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Equipped café with covered terrace, picnic table, museum shop and the museum's own beers (Pellegrin and Dewolf).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Space with equipped café, covered terrace, outdoor area with a tent and large garden, available all week except Sunday mornings; book through the museum.

Plan your visit