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Museum · Liège, Liège
Musée de la Vie wallonne
Museum of everyday life of Valônia, in the former convent of the Friars Minor, in the centre of Liège. It showcases work, festivals, beliefs and customs and has a puppet theatre with Tchantchès.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Musée de la Vie wallonne
The Musée de la Vie wallonne explains how the people of Valônia lived and live. It occupies the former convent of the Friars Minor, beside the Cour des Mineurs in Liège's historic centre, and was founded in 1913 by scholars of local folklore.
The exhibition is spread over two floors, with rooms on work, leisure, religion, festivals, traditions and ways of life, from the 19th century to the present. About 2,000 objects are on display, from miners' tools to toys, devotional images and kitchen utensils, as well as photographs and recordings.
A highlight for many visitors is the puppet theatre. The museum preserves almost 600 rod puppets, the traditional Liège technique, and stages performances with Tchantchès, the city's popular hero, alongside Nanesse, Charlemagne and Roland. Performances follow their own schedule.
Temporary exhibitions address topics such as the coal mines that shaped the region. The cloister of the old convent can also be visited.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours for the galleries. Add another hour if you include a puppet show.
Best time
Open Tuesday to Sunday during the day; the museum is closed on Mondays. To see the puppets, check the schedule, which usually has more performances in the European summer and school holidays.
How to get there
It is located in the Cour des Mineurs, about a five-minute walk from Place Saint-Lambert, near the start of rue Hors-Château.
Tip
Combine it with the Montagne de Bueren, just beyond in the same area. The puppet shows are in French and Walloon, but the staging is easy to follow even without understanding the lines.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée de la Vie wallonne
Who is Tchantchès?
He is Liège’s emblematic puppet: a common man, wearing a cap and scarf, stubborn and good-humored. He appears in the museum’s puppet theatre and as a statue in Outremeuse.
Is the museum good for children?
Yes. The puppet theatre and the summer holiday activities, with workshops and storytelling, are usually enjoyed by families.