Préhistomuseum

About the museum

The Ramioul cave, in a limestone massif on the banks of the Meuse, was discovered in 1911 by members of the association Les Chercheurs de la Wallonie. Excavations revealed traces of occupation stretching from the Neanderthal period to the end of the Neolithic. In the 1930s the cave was listed to protect it from the expansion of the neighbouring quarries, and a small museum was set up to display the finds.

In 1994 this small museum was replaced by the Préhistosite de Ramioul, built with European funds. The site closed in 2013 for a complete redevelopment and reopened on 7 February 2016 under the name Préhistomuseum, after three years of works and an investment of several million euros.

Today the museum is both an archaeology museum and a 30-hectare discovery park, located in a forest classified as Natura 2000. The “Sapiens” route offers ten activities around three major themes: our roots, our links with nature and our talents for the future. Visitors can see the permanent exhibition, a cave explored with a head torch, a plant labyrinth that tells the story of evolution, reconstructions of prehistoric architecture, a Neolithic farm and a hunting trail. Archaeologists lead practical workshops at certain periods. The team aims at a broad public, including those who do not usually like museums. The Préhistomuseum also keeps archaeological collections and a documentation centre.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Tous sapiens” with authentic archaeological objects
• Walk through the Ramioul cave with a head torch
• Plant labyrinth of evolution and sensory path to walk barefoot
• Reconstructions of prehistoric architecture, including a Neolithic house
• Farm, hunting trail (spear-thrower, bow) and workshops with archaeologists
• Outdoor escape game “Sapiens got talent” over 1,700 m²

Permanent exhibitions

• Tous sapiens – Permanent exhibition on our origins, our differences and our common ground, with authentic archaeological objects.
• Grotte de Ramioul – Visit to the cave with a head torch, following the traces of the prehistoric occupations of the site.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Préhistomuseum ASBL

Director

Fernand Collin

Admission & discounts

Free admission: The first Sunday of the month: free entry to the museum and park, booking mandatory.

The price depends on the colour of the day (yellow, blue or purple) shown on the calendar; the basic rate starts at €9. Free entry with the museumPASSmusées, the Experience Pass, the ICOM card, the Liège Visit Pass, the WWF Ranger card, the Chercheurs de la Wallonie card, the residents' card (carte riverain), the museum's annual subscription or the press card (free-entry-online option when booking). 20% discount at the till with the Visit Wallonia Pass, a 365.be voucher, an Activity Pass coupon, a Capfun wristband or the Ligue des Familles card. Article 27: €1.25 at the till. Carte Prof: child rate.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: not available
• Audio description

Main building and pavilion area certified Access-i (neither the restaurant nor the park has been audited): lift to all public levels, adapted toilets, three reserved parking spaces before the restaurant, wheelchairs at reception and chair-canes on request. The terrace towards the outdoor pavilions has a slight slope of about 5% over 10 m, and one passage in the cave is limited to 1.82 m in height. No induction loop. Adapted guided tours by reservation. Assistance dogs are admitted, other dogs are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Lighting a fire, shooting with a bow, modelling clay, exploring a cave: prehistoric skills become games for young and old. Children's birthday parties for ages 5 to 12 (3-hour animation with snack, from €180 for 15 children), holiday courses. For the youngest, the museum advises a baby carrier rather than a pushchair.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorway E42, exit no. 4 “Flémalle”; GPS coordinates 50.579246 / 5.426674. Liège is 25 minutes away, Namur 40 minutes and Brussels 60 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Resto du Préhisto at the foot of the museum (every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except Mondays on “blue” days); covered picnic area next to the restaurant and tables in the park.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Unusual spaces in the open air for meetings, conferences, seminars and corporate events, with catering by the Resto du Préhisto; team building, family days and guided visits for companies.

Plan your visit