Musée de la Grande Ardenne

About the museum

The Musée de la Grande Ardenne opened in 1986 in Bastogne, in a former convent of Recollect sisters (Récollectines) called the Bethlehem, founded in 1628. Long known as the Musée en Piconrue, then as “Piconrue – Musée de la Grande Ardenne”, it adopted its current name in spring 2024 to emphasise its regional roots. In 2025 it joined the Pôle Culture de Bastogne (Bastogne cultural hub), together with the cultural centre and the contemporary art space of the Orangerie.

Defining itself above all as a museum of humanity, it tells the story of the Ardennes and its people, placing heritage in its historical, sociological and ethnographic context and confronting it with the evolution of today's society. Its collections number almost 100,000 objects: ethnology, legends, religious art, popular beliefs, modern and contemporary art. Since 1986 the museum has also served as a storage depot for the fabriques d'église (parish church councils).

Two permanent sets structure the visit. “Les Âges de la Vie” (The Ages of Life) traces Ardennes society from 1850 to 1950 over two floors, from birth to death, with its rites of passage and traditions. “La Maison des Légendes” (The House of Legends) immerses visitors in an imaginary forest populated by the Wild Hunter, the werewolf, fairies and nutons. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and offers mediation tools for families.

Highlights

• “Les Âges de la Vie”: Ardennes society from 1850 to 1950
• “La Maison des Légendes”, an imaginary forest of Ardennes tales
• Almost 100,000 objects of ethnology, religious art and popular beliefs
• Housed in a former Recollect convent founded in 1628
• Tools for families: “Carnet de Jeannot”, the Marmaille&co bag, “Bancs des Âges”

Permanent exhibitions

• Les Âges de la Vie – Objects and documents over two floors trace the life of the Ardennes people from 1850 to 1950, from birth to death.
• La Maison des Légendes – A walk through a legendary forest inhabited by the Wild Hunter, the werewolf, fairies and nutons.

Founded

1986

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month: free admission.

Free admission for children up to age 5, holders of a Carte Prof or ICOM card, holders of the museumPASSmusées, the press and museum members. For groups, it is possible to have a bite before or after the visit by reservation (coffee welcome €3.50, breakfast or tart €7, aperitif €10 per person).

Accessibility

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

The museum provides a lift, ramps, a wheelchair and folding seats. Visitors with reduced mobility can announce themselves in advance (+32 61 62 17 40) so that their car can be brought as close as possible to the entrance. There are two free spaces for people with reduced mobility in the public car park opposite the museum. The mediators adapt guided tours (length, step-by-step sequences, assisted-communication boards). Animals are not admitted, except assistance dogs; an area in the courtyard is reserved for them.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Tools at reception: “Carnet de Jeannot”, the playful Marmaille&co bag, and “Bancs des Âges” (Benches of the Ages). Birthday parties at the museum for children aged 7 to 12 (maximum 10 children, one parent accompanying) on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 14:00 to 17:00; €90 per group; booking one month in advance.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop. For groups, snacks before or after the visit are available by reservation one week in advance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit