Musée de l'Iguanodon

About the museum

The Musée de l'Iguanodon in Bernissart tells the story of one of the greatest discoveries in palaeontology. In 1878, miners working in the Sainte-Barbe pit of the Bernissart colliery came across dinosaur bones: 29 complete iguanodon skeletons were found during the mining operations. The bones were then prepared, packed and transported to Brussels, where they were reassembled.

The route, managed by the municipality of Bernissart, follows these stages room by room. The office of the engineer Fagès evokes the discovery before a descent into a reconstructed mine gallery; the excavation room presents the techniques for extracting and preparing the bones. The main room displays a genuine fossilised iguanodon skeleton 5 metres tall, 130 million years old, as well as dinosaur teeth and claws and the fossil of a mesosaurus, considered the first marine reptile.

Other spaces widen the visit: a gallery on the history of dinosaurs, a collectors' room in the style of a cabinet of curiosities with fossils from several regions of the world, and a dark room where fluorescent minerals glow. An immersive set design has renewed the route. Since 14 April 2026 the museum has been temporarily closed due to works in the main room.

Highlights

• Authentic fossil iguanodon skeleton, 5 metres tall, 130 million years old
• The 1878 discovery in the Sainte-Barbe pit, with a reconstructed mine gallery
• Mesosaurus fossil and a rich collection of Hainaut fossils
• Room of fluorescent minerals in the dark
• Playground and Wap Aventure booklets for children

Permanent exhibition

• Les iguanodons de Bernissart – Room-by-room route: reconstructed mine gallery, excavation room, main room with the iguanodon skeleton, dinosaur gallery, collectors' room and room of fluorescent minerals.

Operated by

Commune de Bernissart

Admission & discounts

Payment in cash or by bank card. Prices valid when the museum reopens.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility: access ramp and adapted toilets.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Play area for ages 4 to 8 indoors, outdoor playground, Wap Aventure game booklets (ages 5–8 and 9–12, €1 at reception or to print), birthday teas and recreational afternoons.

Getting there & parking

The museum is entered through the Bernissart tourist office, rue Lotard 14. The Harchies marshes are about 2 km away.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café where you can taste Iguanodon beer; breakfast, tea or a meal available by reservation. Outdoor playground.

Events & venue rental

The museum is currently closed; reopening will be announced once the works are finished.

Plan your visit