Musée du marbre et de la pierre bleue de Bellignies

About the museum

The museum is housed in a former marble works built on the banks of the Hogneau. The marble sawmill was authorized in 1826 and ran on two undershot water wheels. The site then changed owners several times: in the 20th century it housed a bakery and a factory making corset stays (baleines de corset), and from 1955 to 1972 a workshop producing marble objects.

The museum was founded in 1979, at the initiative of the mayor of the time. It traces the geological and human adventure of the marble industry in the Avesnois. The industry developed mainly after the wars of the Revolution and the Empire, when high customs duties on Belgian marble led companies to settle in the Hogneau valley. The most prosperous periods were from 1880 to 1914 and from 1920 to 1929; activity declined after the Second World War.

Over three levels, the route presents tools from before mechanisation, fireplaces, more than a hundred marble clocks, sculptures and works by artists. Workers’ archives, such as pay slips and account books, show life in the marble works. An audiovisual report and a historical study complete the visit.

Highlights

• More than a hundred marble clocks
• Fireplaces and sculptures in marble and blue stone
• Craft and industrial tools from before mechanisation
• Workers’ archives: pay slips, account books, diplomas
• Former marble works on the banks of the Hogneau

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente sur l’industrie du marbre – Tools, fireplaces, clocks, sculptures and archives that tell the story of the quarrying of marble and blue stone in the Avesnois.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Commune de Bellignies

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission, with the option of making a donation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

A tourist information sheet states that there is no access for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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