Conference, training course, workshop, event [fr]
Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy
Rue de Fer, 24
5000 NAMUR
081/77.67.54
musee.arts.anciens@province.namur.be
Art Religious Art Regional
The origin of these collections is associated with the creation of the Namur Archaeological Society in 1845. The Museum presents collections from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, coming from the Namur region, in particular many sculptures in stone and wood, paintings by Henri Bles, a Mosan artist of the second third 16th century, as well as works illustrating the various metal arts (12th and 13th century gold- and silverware, objects made with sheet metal, ironwork), stained-glass windows and glasswork, and embroidery. The Museum of the Ancient Arts of Namur is installed in the Gaiffier d'Hestroy mansion, a patrician residence standing between a courtyard and a garden. The façade of the main building dates from the first half of the 18th century, but underwent alterations and reorganization in the second half of the 18th century and in the 9th century, too. It was in 1768 that the architect Beaulieu designed the façade building forming an enclosure. Pierced by a portal with a triangular pediment, this gives access to the courtyard. The wall on the street side is adorned with stucco panels punctuated by Ionic pilasters and Roman-style busts. There are maps and views, manuscripts, incunabula, and printed items.