Musée de la Bière

About the museum

The Musée de la Bière in Stenay traces the history of brewing arts and traditions, from its origins some 12,000 years ago to the present day. It is housed in the town’s former malthouse, a large building listed as a historic monument since February 24, 1986. Archival research shows that it was the grain store of the military citadel built between 1609 and 1615. Abandoned after the Revolution, it was bought by a maltster at the end of the 19th century, who raised it and added a tower at each end. The malthouse closed during the First World War, after which the building served as barracks, storage and a coal depot.

In 1984, the City of Stenay bought the former malthouse to create a museum there, run by volunteers and by the association Groupement Archéologique. The museum received the “Musée de France” designation in 2002. In 2006, the Meuse Department and the City launched a redevelopment; in 2008, the collections were transferred to the Department and the museum joined the Meuse museum network.

Today, more than 2,500 m² of exhibition space presents a collection of over 55,000 objects, in a route of six sequences: the building, raw materials, the evolution of brewing, brewers’ advertising art, drinking establishments and the transport of beer. A botanical garden brings together the plants needed to make beer, and the visit ends at the Taverne.

Highlights

• More than 55,000 objects on the history of brewing
• Hall of brewers’ advertising posters
• Reconstructions of estaminets (taverns) and Belle Époque cafés
• Raw materials to touch and smell
• Botanical garden with beer plants
• Taverne with more than 70 beers

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours muséographique en six séquences – From the history of the building to raw materials, brewing techniques, advertising, drinking establishments and the transport of beer, along with a botanical garden.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Département de la Meuse

Visitors per year

approx. 22,912

Admission & discounts

Single rate of €3.50. Free admission for members of the Groupement Archéologique (with membership card) and for journalists or influencers with a professional ID.

Accessibility

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

The museum has held the Tourisme et Handicap label since 2011; the entire route is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility, and a wheelchair is lent out. Sign-language videos line the route, and an induction loop is lent to hard-of-hearing visitors. Texts are translated into braille and machines are reproduced in relief. Adapted guided tours and workshops are available for people with intellectual disabilities. A reserved parking area is near the ticket office.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Route for children with the mascots Lupuline and Malto, an activity booklet, materials to touch and smell, interactive stations. Free guided tours for ages 5–12 on Wednesdays in July and August, and “Mardis de Lupuline” workshops during school holidays. A stroller is available to borrow.

Getting there & parking

Stenay lies 20 km from the Belgian border, between the fortress of Sedan and the memorial sites of Verdun. The museum is equipped to welcome cyclists on the V19: secure parking for bicycles and luggage, and an electrical outlet available.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum Taverne: more than 70 beers, snacks made with local products and lunches (open sandwiches, plates, caterer dishes; €10 to €23 per meal), run by the Groupement Archéologique association. Shop with beers, souvenirs and local products.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit