Gallo-Roman Museum

The Provincial Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren was opened in 1954. Already in the 19th century, there was a buildup of a collection of archaeological finds, gathered by the Royal Historical and Archaeological Society of Tongeren. From 1854, parts of this collection were exhibited in the city. In 1937, the Provincial Museum opened in the Beguinage of Hasselt, and the most important pieces were exhibited there. They would only return at the opening of the museum in Tongeren in 1954. Donations and excavations from the museum's field service and the National Service for Excavations expanded the collection. The number of visitors rose to 20,000 per year. The permanent deputation approved a new building, and in 1994, the museum opened in a new building designed by architect Alfredo De Gregorio. The new arrangement and presentation, along with the renewed museum operations, further increased the number of visitors. In 2006, a second new construction project was initiated to further expand the museum site.

Wim Willems