TreM.a – Musée des Arts anciens du Namurois

About the museum

TreM.a – Musée des Arts anciens du Namurois opened its doors on 11 April 1964, the result of a partnership between the Province of Namur and the Société archéologique de Namur. It was installed in the Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy et de Tamison, an 18th-century town house listed in 1944 and bequeathed to the Province in 1950 with the wish that it become a museum. The first curator, André Dasnoy, gathered there part of the medieval and Renaissance collections of the Société archéologique. Until 1987 the museum shared its rooms with a section devoted to Félicien Rops, which then moved to rue Fumal to become a museum in its own right.

The museum's mission is to conserve, study and make known the artistic output of the masters and workshops of the Burgundian Netherlands, preferably in the Namur region, from the 12th to the 16th century. Recognised in category A by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, it comes under the Museums and Cultural Heritage Department of the Province of Namur.

Its collections have grown considerably, to the point that the premises became cramped. The arrival of the Treasure of Oignies in 2010, a 13th-century goldsmith's masterpiece attributed to the workshop of Hugo d'Oignies, marks the high point. The route also includes paintings by the landscape painter Henri Bles, sculptures by the Master of Waha and from the Rhine-Meuse region, Mosan altarpieces and objects from Namur's crafts. A restoration and an extension of the building were planned for the 2020s.

Highlights

• Treasure of Oignies, a 13th-century goldsmith's masterpiece by Hugo d'Oignies
• Paintings by Henri Bles, a 16th-century landscape master
• Sculptures by the Master of Waha and Rhine-Meuse statuary
• Mosan altarpieces and objects of popular devotion
• 18th-century Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy et de Tamison with courtyard and garden
• Three quadrilingual audio routes and digital screens in the rooms

Permanent exhibitions

• Oignies et l’orfèvrerie d’Hugo – The Treasure of Oignies, a 13th-century goldsmith's ensemble, presented in a room with digital screens that reveal details and techniques.
• Bouvignes et la peinture d’Henri Bles – The surviving paintings of the landscape painter Henri Bles, a 16th-century master, presented in a dedicated space with digital screens.
• La région rhéno-mosane et sa statuaire – Medieval sculptures displayed upstairs, including works by the Master of Waha and Mosan altarpieces.

Founded

1964

Operated by

Province de Namur – Service des Musées et du Patrimoine culturel

Admission & discounts

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

The ticket gives access to the permanent collections and the temporary exhibition. Free admission also for holders of an Article 27 ticket, the museumPASSmusées, the Pass 365 or the ICOM card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 temporary exhibition spaces and the toilets are accessible by lift, but the permanent collections can only be reached by a staircase of about ten steps. Seat-canes are lent free of charge at reception. Guide dogs are admitted; the audio guide texts can be read or listened to, which suits visually impaired visitors. Rue de Fer has three parking spaces for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Age-appropriate educational notebooks invite children to investigate the rooms. During school holidays the “Marmaille & Co” days offer activities; “Marmaille & Co” play bags (suitable from age 3) can be borrowed free at reception. Family guided tour of one hour (€60) or two-hour workshop visit (€80), by reservation, for up to 20 people, excluding admission. Children's birthday parties with a discovery route and a creative workshop: €100 for up to 12 participants, excluding admission.

Getting there & parking

By motorway: E411, exit 14 “Bouge/Namur Centre”; E42, exit 12 “Gembloux/La Bruyère/Namur”. The museum is a “Bienvenue vélo” partner: 3 bike racks in the courtyard, a repair kit and drinking water.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in the museum and in the documentation centre. Lockers at reception for backpacks; only handbags are admitted into the rooms. Shop with items inspired by the works and with the museum's publications. Garden open to visitors; picnicking is possible.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit