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New museum to open in Louvain-la-Neuve in November

01:00 29/10/2017

Belgium’s first large-scale university museum, Musée L, is destined to attract more visitors to Louvain-la Neuve.

Opening on 18 November, the new cultural hub presents a dialogue between important scientific collections and major art works. Its displays will be unique: a Buddha sculpture placed in confrontation with a figure of Christ from the Middle Ages; ancient scriptures positioned opposite typewriters.

More than 800 works will be displayed in the permanent collection, representing just a fraction of the 32,000-plus natural history, science and art items belonging to the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL).

The museum’s collections originate from university professors and private donors and will be complemented by temporary exhibitions. The first show honours renowned Cameroonian artist Barthélémy Toguo.

The museum occupies a 4,000m² space in Place des Sciences. It also includes three experimental laboratories for visitors, an archive centre, offices, a studio, and a large space for activities and events.

Housed in the former science and technology library, the completely renovated structure is a soaring cathedral to art. The emblematic building by iconic Belgian architect André Jacqmain dates from 1969 and is a leading example of Brutalist architecture. The €10.4 million project has been financed by public and private funds.

 

Written by Sarah Crew