Les Bateliers museum complex

A perfect place if you enjoy journeys through time, peaceful gardens and cultural experiences accessible to the whole family, to discover during a getaway to Namur, between wonder, curiosity and gentle nostalgia.

Reviews
4.7/5 (303Google reviews)

Information

Les Bateliers Museum Hub, an elegant journey into the Namur of the past

The Les Bateliers Museum Hub invites visitors to enjoy a refined immersion combining archaeology, decorative arts and the art of living, in a setting steeped in history. Located in two remarkable buildings, including an 18th-century mansion, it brings together the archaeological museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts, complemented by an 18th-century garden that naturally extends the visit. From the moment you enter, it feels as though you have stepped into another era, as if expected by the former residents of the house.

Authenticity and modern presentation in perfect harmony

What stands out immediately is the subtle balance between authenticity and contemporary presentation. The décor, the elegance of the salons and the refinement of the decorative arts collections interact with the archaeological discoveries from Namur, presented in a clear and accessible way. The visitor route is fluid and thoughtfully structured, making it easy to understand the past without overwhelming the experience. Many visitors describe it as a genuine journey through time, both elegant and enlightening.

Collections that tell the story of life and territory

Moving from room to room, visitors pass from archaeological objects to refined interiors, discovering different aspects of local history. The timeline, particularly appreciated, helps situate the different periods and connect the collections together. Digital tools and interactive tablets make the visit playful and stimulating, especially for children, who can explore the museum in an active and intuitive way.

A garden that extends the visit

The garden of the Museum of Decorative Arts and Les Bateliers, designed in the spirit of the 18th century, offers a peaceful and refreshing interlude. After the richness of the interior spaces, this outdoor walk allows visitors to pause, observe and fully enjoy the atmosphere of the place. Many highlight the care given to maintaining the site, which enhances the pleasure of the visit.

A lively place full of surprises

The Les Bateliers Museum Hub also holds its share of anecdotes. The Museum of Decorative Arts has served as a filming location for several films, including Les Visiteurs 3, illustrating the evocative power of its décor. On the archaeological side, visitors can even discover the oldest dog from Namur, a curiosity that intrigues and delights guests. These details give the museum a lively and endearing character.

A warm and accessible experience

The overall atmosphere is often described as warm, calm and soothing, while remaining rich and stimulating. Visitors feel both welcomed and free to take their time, to observe and to understand. The quality of the presentation, the clarity of the explanations and the diversity of spaces make learning enjoyable without ever feeling overwhelming.

The Les Bateliers Museum Hub is an ideal destination for those who appreciate elegant museums, places where history is told with finesse and where each room invites discovery.

Opening times

Every day (except Monday) from 10.00 to 18.00. • Closed: from 22/12 to 25/12 - from 29/12/2026 to 1/01/2027

Price

adults €5 (1 museum) – €8 (2 museums) • seniors (65+) and students (7-26 years): €3 (1 museum) – €5 (2 museums) • children up to 6 years old and teachers: free • Temporary exhibition in shared spaces: free

Guided tour

Guided tours (FR, NL, EN, DE) available on request from the Namur Tourist Office.

Tour length

1 hr per museum • Tablet available free of charge at reception for visiting the Archaeological Museum (EN, FR, NL).

Group

Price Groups of 8 people or more / maximum 20 people: €3/person (1 museum) – €5/person (2 museums) • Temporary exhibition in shared spaces: free

Guided tour Guided tours (FR, NL, EN, DE) available on request from the Namur Tourist Office.


Weather in Namur


Events

À Namur, le pôle muséal Les Bateliers vous plonge au coeur de l'histoire de l'art et de son évolution. Découvrez l'exposition D'après Nature, un hommage au peintre paysagiste anglais John Constable.

Hommage au peintre John Constable

Fruit d’une rencontre entre un groupe d’artistes namurois et le Pôle muséal Les Bateliers, l'exposition D'après Nature rend hommage à John Constable. Ce peintre anglais du XVIIIème siècle est l'un de ceux qui ont libéré le paysage en le faisant passer de fond décoratif à sujet d’une œuvre.

Sont jointes à l'exposition une douzaine d’œuvres du XXème siècle des collections communales, qui s’apparentent à cette libération du sujet de la Nature

Les artistes namurois à la base du projet (Anne Liebhaberg, Anne-Marie Finné, Michel Peetz, Philippe Tasiaux et Simon Delneuville) proposent également leur vision et interprétation du paysage, 250 ans après John Constable.​​​​

Dans le cadre de cette exposition, plusieurs animations sont organisées :

  • 1 visite en compagnie des artistes et de l’historienne d’art Marie-Claire Toussaint
  • 1 concert avec l’ensemble Les Menus-Plaisirs du Roy 
  • 1 conférence de Pierre Wat, docteur en histoire de l’art, Professeur à la Sorbonne, spécialiste du romantisme 
  • la fête d’anniversaire de John Constable : balade narrative et gâteau.

Un projet captivant à découvrir dans la capitale wallonne ce printemps.


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