François Duesberg Museum
Step into a 'golden kingdom' of 18th & 19th-century decorative arts, featuring stunning clocks, sculptures, and more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
François Duesberg Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 'golden kingdom' of 18th & 19th-century decorative arts, featuring stunning clocks, sculptures, and more.
"Absolutely fantastic experience! We felt like we were in a golden kingdom."
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Admission is cash-only, so be prepared!
⏰ Be Patient for Entry
The door might be closed; knock and wait. Opening times can be flexible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
18th & 19th Century Decorative Arts
A breathtaking collection of clocks, sculptures, porcelain, ceramics, and jewelry that feels like stepping into a golden kingdom.
Ornamental Clocks
Main exhibition rooms
Rare and exquisite ornamental clocks, some featuring intricate dog designs, are a standout feature.
Cameos and Sculptures
Smaller display rooms
Discover a fantastic collection of cameos and Neoclassical-inspired sculptures that showcase incredible craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King & Be Patient
An Intimate Glimpse into Luxury
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Admission is cash-only, so be prepared!
⏰ Be Patient for Entry
The door might be closed; knock and wait. Opening times can be flexible.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the collection.
📸 Ask About Photos
Photography rules can be a bit eccentric; inquire politely.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Admission is cash-only, so be prepared!
⏰ Be Patient for Entry
The door might be closed; knock and wait. Opening times can be flexible.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the collection.
📸 Ask About Photos
Photography rules can be a bit eccentric; inquire politely.
🗣️ Engage with the Host
The host offers fascinating historical insights into the pieces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Francois Duesberg Museum, calling it one of Belgium's most beautiful museums and a 'golden kingdom.' The exquisite 18th and 19th-century decorative arts, especially the clocks and sculptures, are breathtaking. While entry can be a unique experience requiring patience and cash, the personalized guidance from the owner makes it a highly recommended and unforgettable visit.
"Absolutely fantastic experience! parking in the surrounding streets, if you want to enter you have to knock because the door is closed, a very kind English speaking man opened the door for us and we entered, the entrance fee was higher and you have to pay in cash, but it is definitely worthly, beautifully clean toilets are available, the exhibits are absolutely bombastic, gorgeous, breathtaking, the gentleman will explain to you the history of some special pieces, even though it is only 1 large and a couple of smaller rooms, we spent almost 2 hours there, this is one of the most beautiful museums in Belgium, we felt like we were in a golden kingdom, I highly recommend it, even the children were excited and looked at every smallest piece of this beauty"
Marek Sopko
"Worth to visit definitely! Private collection in three rooms, plan at least 1h30 to visit. You will guided by pleasant host who can tell everything about each piece of art! And of course you will meet baron itself, wish him health!"
Stasya Tim
"The Francois Duesberg, is a fantastic museum dedicated to 18th and 19th century decorative arts, with a fine collection of clocks, sculptures and porcelain, ceramics, pottery and jewellery. Some of the most outstanding pieces include rare ornamental clocks from Napoleonic times, fantastic collection of cameos, Neoclassical inspired sculptures, and lots more beautiful things to see. Inside, it’s almost like a palace that even without all the exhibits would be fit for a king to stay in.
Myself and several other had to wait 45 minutes over the advertised opening time before being let in, which was a little annoying. The place was opened by an elderly gentleman, I think the owner of the museum. The dude is quite eccentric, tells us no photos, but taking photos seem to be fine if they include him. Normally, I’d deduct a star for this kind of thing, but the museum is awesome."
macedonboy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Mons, Belgium. Parking is available on surrounding streets. Visitors often mention needing to knock on the door to gain entry, as it's not always immediately obvious how to get in.
Yes, parking is generally available on the streets surrounding the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can be flexible. Visitors have reported waiting beyond advertised times for the museum to open, often by an elderly gentleman who is the owner. It's best to arrive and knock.
The entrance fee is noted as being higher than expected by some, and it must be paid in cash.
There's no mention of advance booking being necessary. The process involves knocking on the door for entry and paying in cash.
While not explicitly detailed, the museum is described as being in a few rooms, suggesting a more contained space. Clean toilets are available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases 18th and 19th-century decorative arts, including a fine collection of clocks, sculptures, porcelain, ceramics, pottery, and jewelry.
Visitors recommend planning at least 1.5 hours to explore the private collection spread across a few rooms.
Photography rules can be a bit eccentric. Some visitors noted that photos might be fine if they include the owner, but it's best to ask politely.
You will be guided by a pleasant host who can explain the history of each piece. You might even meet the Baron himself!
It's described as one of the most beautiful museums in Belgium, feeling like a 'golden kingdom' with its bombastic, gorgeous, and breathtaking exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. It's a private collection focused on art and decorative objects.
Mons offers various dining options. It's recommended to explore the local area for cafes and restaurants after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can be a bit unusual. While some visitors found it acceptable to take photos, especially if the owner was included, it's advisable to confirm directly with the staff upon arrival.
The ornamental clocks, particularly those decorated with dogs, are frequently highlighted as visually striking and photogenic. The overall opulence of the decorative arts also makes for stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to engage with the host, who is known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to explain the history of the pieces. The intimate size of the museum means kids can explore without getting lost, and the detailed exhibits offer plenty to look at. Just be sure to manage expectations regarding photography and the cash-only payment.
💎 Art & History Enthusiasts
This museum provides a more intimate and personal encounter with art than larger institutions. The 'bombastic, gorgeous, breathtaking' exhibits, as described by visitors, make it one of Belgium's most beautiful museums. It’s a destination that rewards detailed exploration and a genuine appreciation for historical artistry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Entry Experience
This personalized entry is often facilitated by a kind, English-speaking gentleman, who is frequently identified as the owner or Baron himself. His willingness to explain the history of special pieces adds immense value to the visit. This direct interaction with the curator is a rare treat and a significant part of what makes the Francois Duesberg Museum so memorable.
A Treasure Trove of Decorative Arts
Standout pieces include rare ornamental clocks from the Napoleonic era, some of which are uniquely decorated with dog motifs, captivating visitors with their artistry and historical significance. The collection also features a fantastic array of cameos and Neoclassical-inspired sculptures, each piece meticulously chosen and displayed. Even without the exhibits, the museum's interior is described as being fit for royalty, enhancing the overall sense of grandeur.
Despite being housed in just a few rooms, the density and quality of the exhibits mean that visitors can easily spend almost two hours immersed in the beauty. The host's willingness to share the stories behind these objects transforms a viewing into an educational and engaging journey through art history.
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