Musée François Duesberg
Museum of neoclassical decorative arts (1775–1825) in Mons, known for its collection of clocks, gilt bronzes, porcelain and silverware.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Musée François Duesberg is the work of a collecting couple, Baron François Duesberg and Baroness Betty Duesberg. François Duesberg bought his first clock in 1964 and trained himself in antique horology; Betty, meanwhile, gathered objects relating to the art of the table, porcelain and silverware. By the early 1990s their collection had grown to around 200 clocks.
After the great success of the exhibition ‘De Noir et d’Or’ in Brussels, the couple looked for a permanent venue to show their objects. The City of Mons made available the former National Bank building, a listed 19th-century building opposite the Sainte-Waudru collegiate church. The Duesbergs donated part of their collections, and the agreement was signed in December 1993.
The museum opened on 21 September 1994. It presents more than 300 clocks made between 1785 and 1815, a collection of tableware with rare silverware and porcelain, French gilt bronzes, fine jewellery, including a set of cameos, and many unusual objects. Almost 3,000 pieces are on display in Mons.
The route, designed like a cabinet of curiosities, highlights neoclassical art and the Age of Enlightenment. The museum is now part of the Mons Museum Hub.
Highlights
- More than 300 clocks made between 1785 and 1815
- French gilt bronzes and porcelain from Paris and Brussels
- Silverware, including the Mons hallmark, and a set of cameos
- Former National Bank building, listed, opposite the Sainte-Waudru collegiate church
- Presentation arranged like a cabinet of curiosities
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours permanent – Clocks, gilt bronzes, porcelain, silverware and jewellery from 1775–1825, displayed in showcases designed like a cabinet of curiosities.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Ville de Mons (Pôle muséal)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 14 · Free for under-15s |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 14 |
|---|
The museum is designed to suit all audiences, including the youngest.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on Square Franklin Roosevelt, opposite the Sainte-Waudru collegiate church.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits without a guide are possible; guided tours for groups and individuals should be requested in advance from the museum management. |
