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François Duesberg Museum, the ultimate elegance of decorative arts

Stepping into the François Duesberg Museum means entering a world of exceptional refinement, where every object seems suspended in time. Internationally renowned, this extraordinary museum presents prestigious collections of clocks, gilded bronzes, porcelains, silverware and jewellery, brought together with passion and precision. It is a rare, intimate and precious place that fascinates both art lovers and visitors seeking wonder.

A golden age of decorative arts (1775–1825)

The visit immerses you in the heart of French and Belgian decorative arts between 1775 and 1825, a pivotal period shaped by the Neoclassical aesthetic. The lines are pure, the proportions harmonious and the decorations subtle. Everything here breathes balance and refined taste.

The remarkable Parisian clocks, true masterpieces of ingenuity and beauty, stand alongside rare porcelains and sumptuous silverware, combining gilded bronze, silver and porcelain. Each piece draws the eye, inviting visitors to step closer, observe the fine details and admire the perfection of the craftsman’s work.

Three perspectives to understand an era

The visit is structured around three major thematic axes that help illuminate the spirit of this refined period:

• The art of the table, reflecting an elegant and codified lifestyle where dining itself becomes a carefully staged experience.
• The art of measuring time, featuring spectacular clocks that combine technical mastery with decorative sculpture.
• Contemporary French literature, highlighting the intellectual effervescence of the Age of Enlightenment, with influential figures such as Rousseau, Voltaire and Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, whose ideas resonated deeply within the arts and decorative objects of the period.

These themes give depth to the visit and place the works within a broader cultural, artistic and philosophical context.

A cabinet of curiosities shaped by a lifetime

The François Duesberg Museum unfolds like a cabinet of curiosities, where carefully curated abundance creates a constant sense of wonder. The collection is the result of a lifetime of passion, assembled by Betty and François Duesberg, a couple of collectors driven by an unconditional love of beauty and excellence.

Every object has been chosen with remarkable care, forming a coherent ensemble that is now internationally recognised. This uniqueness gives the museum an intimate and almost confidential atmosphere, frequently highlighted by visitors.

An internationally recognised museum

Awarded two stars by the Michelin Guide, the François Duesberg Museum is one of those rare places that leaves a lasting impression. Visitors arrive with curiosity and leave with the feeling of having experienced a timeless moment, far removed from the noise of the modern world.

Located in Mons, the museum fits perfectly into a cultural visit to the city, just a short walk from other major heritage sites.

Opening times

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 14.00 - 19.00 •.Closed: 25/12 and 1/01.

Price

€8

Tour length

1.5 hrs

Group

Price (min. 10 people) €6

Guided tour Guided tours: EN, FR, NL, DE - 10 to 50 people - 2 hrs.

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