Musée L

About the museum

Musée L is the university museum of UCLouvain, in Louvain-la-Neuve, less than 30 km from Brussels. It presents to the public the collections assembled by university professors and private donors: works of art, natural history specimens, archaeological and ethnographic objects, and scientific instruments and machines. Together they make up some 20,000 items in the inventory.

The museum occupies the former Library of Sciences and Technologies, a brutalist building designed by the architect André Jacqmain and built from 1969 to 1975, one of the first buildings erected after the university's move to Wallonia. Part of the furniture designed by Jules Wabbes for the library has been reinstated in the galleries. The building was listed in June 2025.

The permanent route extends over six floors and follows five ‘élans’ (impulses): to be amazed in a great cabinet of curiosities, to question with the university's researchers, to pass on knowledge through writing and calculation, to be moved by works from all cultures and all periods, and finally to contemplate the collection of an amateur, Dr Charles Delsemme. Three sensory labs devoted to engraving, sculpture and colour invite you to experiment and handle things.

Musée L also plays a role in teaching and research and presents temporary exhibitions that bring art and science into dialogue.

Highlights

• Permanent route over six floors built around five ‘élans’
• Cabinet of curiosities and dialogues between art and science
• Three sensory labs: engraving, sculpture, colour
• Brutalist building by André Jacqmain, listed in 2025
• Free media guide for visitors with visual and hearing impairments

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours permanent sur six étages – Five ‘élans’ (to be amazed, to question, to pass on, to be moved, to contemplate) bring art, archaeology, natural history and science into dialogue.
• Les labs : gravure, sculpture, couleur – Three sensory spaces where you can experiment, observe and handle freely, for young and old alike.

Founded

1979

Operated by

UCLouvain

Admission & discounts

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

The ticket gives access to the six floors of the permanent route and to the temporary exhibitions. Free admission with proof for holders of the museumPASSmusées, teachers, journalists, Educpass holders, the 365.be card, the ICOM card, UCLouvain staff and students, and the Friends of Musée L.

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
• Audio description

The entire museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Aids are available for visual, hearing or cognitive impairments, as well as rest areas with seats. The media guide is adapted for deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind and partially sighted visitors (French Sign Language and audio description). An ‘easy guide’ can be downloaded before the visit. Animals are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Free up to age 12. Exploration booklet and fun bag Marmaille&Co (ages 6 to 12) available free of charge, three labs to handle, a Panorama family visit, creative workshops Enfanf’Art and birthday parties at the museum. Picnic room with high chair and baby-changing table.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorway E411, exit 8A (Louvain-la-Neuve centre), then the N25, boulevard Baudouin Ier (N233) and avenue Georges Lemaître; the car park is on the left.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi throughout the museum. Café-shop Le Coin L (Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 17:00); restaurant La Table L on the 7th floor. Free luggage storage, a picnic room with fridge, kettle, microwave and high chair.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

Several spaces are available for hire: the forum (200 people), the Monceau auditorium (100), the Meeùs space (70), a seminar room (30), the Maison des Amis (30), atelier L (25) and the mezzanines (20). Quotes on request via an online form; hire can be combined with a guided tour or a meal.

Plan your visit