Ceramic Museum (Andenne)

Andenne was the center of a centuries-long ceramic industry of considerable size. The museum became part of the Espace Muséal d’Andenne in 2020, housed in the unique building of Le Phare. It allows visitors to discover the styles and techniques of the Andenne ceramic industry within the context of the socio-economic history, industry, crafts, and many other aspects of the city's and the broader region's history. Attention is paid to the distinctive features of the local clay, the 'derle', ranging from the 12th century with medieval terracotta to the twentieth century with its industrial ceramics and sandstone figures. The latter were innovative due to the work of the artist Arthur Craco. There is also an extensive collection dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including the famous clay pipes and pieces of renowned fine earthenware and porcelain that the city successfully produced and exported.

The museum was established in 1933 at the initiative of the Association for Archaeology and Folklore in Andenne. The collection has grown significantly over the years. In 1998, the non-profit organization Musée de la Céramique d'Andenne was founded and it was recognized by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in 2009.

The Ceramic Museum does more than just display and manage its collections. The aim is to promote Andenne ceramics through research, study, publications, and presentations, conferences, and exhibitions at the museum. The museum is a vibrant scientific center.

In relation to this, the Ceramic Market is organized every year on Pentecost and Pentecost Monday. Dozens of ceramicists from both home and abroad showcase their finest works.

Jan Rymenams