Paden van de Waaienberg
Sculpture garden of the sculptor Tom Frantzen in Duisburg (Tervuren): a satirical experience garden with guided visits from April to October.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Paden van de Waaienberg is the private sculpture garden of the Brussels sculptor Tom Frantzen in Duisburg, a district of Tervuren. Frantzen began it in 1997 and has been building it for more than twenty years, roughly half of his working time. The garden receives no subsidies, which is why an admission fee is charged.
It is an experience garden where art and nature come together. The sculptures are designed to blend into their surroundings and play with humour, satire and reflections on human folly. They are grouped in themes, such as a Chinese wall, an idiosyncratic view of the theory of evolution and a wild chase featuring, among others, a cycling dragonfly. A grotesque wedding procession sculpture also belongs to the garden.
The best-known work is De Opmars van de menselijke Waanzin (The March of Human Madness), a grotesque carnival procession threatening the lighthouse of democracy, while gorillas defend that tower. This work can be visited as a separate guided tour. Visitors are accompanied by a guide; the garden lies about one hundred metres from the Zoniënwoud (Sonian Forest).
Tom Frantzen is also known for his street sculptures and his sculptures around Hergé.
Highlights
- Satirical sculptures in an experience garden among nature
- De Opmars van de menselijke Waanzin, a grotesque carnival procession
- Thematic groups: Chinese wall, evolutionary theory, wild chase
- Guided tour, sometimes with a meeting with the artist in his studio
Permanent exhibitions
- De Paden van de Waaienberg – Sculpture garden with satirical sculptures in thematic groups, to be visited with a guide.
- De Opmars van de menselijke Waanzin – Grotesque carnival procession of sculptures threatening the lighthouse of democracy; to be visited separately with a guide.
- Founded
- 1997
- Operated by
- Tom Frantzen
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €14Seniors (65+) and students (Sunday visit with a drink) |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 4 · Children under 12 (Sunday visit with a drink); for group visits €10 for children under 12 and free for children under 5 |
| Seniors | €14From 65 years (Sunday visit with a drink); for group visits €10 |
| Students & apprentices | €14Sunday visit with a drink; for group visits €10 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €14 per personGroup visit from April to October, 15 to 25 people, adults €14 per person; seniors (65+), students and children under 12 pay €10. The guide costs €100 per half day. Bus, lunch, coffee and cake at the Waaienberg Staminee are not included. |
| Sunday visit with guided tour, coffee and cake (adults) | €22Seniors (65+) and students: €18; children under 12: €12 |
| Sunday visit with guided tour and a drink (adults) | €17Seniors (65+) and students: €14; children under 12: €8 |
| Guided tour of garden and studio (group) | –Guide €100, plus admission per person; the artist greets visitors halfway in his studio |
| Guided tour of De Opmars van de menselijke Waanzin (group) | –Guide €50, plus admission per person; in suitable temperatures |
| VIP guided tour of the garden with the artist | €250Plus admission per person, with a glass of sparkling wine |
Admission is charged because the garden receives no subsidies. Prices for the Sunday visit in 2026 and for group visits are as stated on the artist’s website.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
Wear sturdy shoes: the walk runs along garden paths. Dogs belonging to other visitors are not admitted to the garden.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
A lower rate applies for children under 12; children under 5 are free on group visits.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Overijse Eizerstraat
De Lijn bus 830 to the Overijse Eizerstraat stop, then on foot to Waaienberg 17
By car
Parking available
Parking for about 20 cars or two coaches at the garden.
Address: Waaienberg 17, 3080 Duisburg (Tervuren).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Coffee, cake or a drink at the Waaienberg Staminee, including after the visit.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Every visit is with a guide; reservations can be made via the form on the website or by email. Meeting point: the entrance between numbers 17 and 19 Waaienberg; do not ring at number 19. A day programme with a sculpture route in Brussels and Steenokkerzeel or in Tervuren, lunch and a garden visit is possible on request. |
