One of my favourite museums about Ancient times is the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren (Belgium). Located in the oldest city of Belgium (Tongeren, in French called ‘Tongres’), this museum tells you the local history, starting from the Neanderthalers up to the Roman period. To do this, it uses local historical artefacts that are on display in a modern environment.
So as a fan, let me tell you more about this archeological museum.
Gallo-Roman Museum: located in Belgium (Tongeren)
As I already mentioned, you can find this museum in the oldest city of Belgium: Tongeren. It was a known Roman city in the east of the country, not far from the Dutch/German border and the Rhine river. Lots of historical relics and artefacts are found here, going back to the period of the Neanderthal.
When walking through the streets, you stumble on several Roman remains (if you want to know more, read my article about Tongeren). Even some some supermarkets have artefacts on display. Mostly relics found on site in the ground while building the shop.
It’s no wonder you can find a Gallo-Roman museum in this area. And where it first was an old local museum for decades, this museum made a big leap in modernisation which made it a clear winner of the European award of “Museum of the Year” (2011). Since then, it belongs amongst the top archeological museums in Europe.
What can you find in this museum?
I visit this museum almost every year. Why? Because it has a permanent collection, but also a yearly new exhibition that is always worth the while.
The permanent collection tells you about the local history, from the Neanderthal up to the Romans. It uses artefacts that are found in the local area which makes it very interesting to see. The collection is organized for adults, with informative panels, and children, with artefacts you can touch and displays with games and video. This permanent collection counts 3 floors.
The yearly exhibition is also about the Gallo-Roman era, but goes broader. Topics like gladiators or the Dacia empire already passed and the museum always make sure that these exhibitions are very interesting and educational, yet not too heavy. So even if you have some historical knowledge, or you lack it, you will be a happy visitor.
The style of the museum itself is a very calming one. With dimmed lights and dark colours, the interior forces you to pay attention to the displayed artefacts without being disturbed by external impulses. This makes it easy to focus and you leave the museum calm and refreshed instead of drained of your energy.
Practical: visiting the Gallo Roman museum and Tongeren area
If you want to visit the museum, you can park for free on a parking called “De Motten”. It’s a 10 minute walk from the museum. The walk takes you via the Roman/medieval wall (you walk on the wall !) through part of the city of Tongeren, which itself is worth a visit (read more about it here).
There are several places to eat,even next door to the museum. And the museum shop is small but worth taking a look, for young and old.
Within half an hour drive, you also have cities like Liège, Maastricht, Hasselt and Sint-Truiden, which are all recommended to visit. Leuven is a 1 hour drive.
Conclusion: the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren
I think it’s clear that, if you are looking for an archeological museum in this area in Europe, the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren (Belgium) is your place to be. Modern, calm, interesting and a combination of local history and a more broader exhibition.
So put this museum and the city on your list, because it’s worth your while!
And if you want to know more about Belgian history, check out my post about Brussel Sprouts. If you want to know more about Romans, I suggest my article about Roman shaving habits.
Source:
Gallo-Roman Museum
Pictures:
History Rob
