The Museum
Its Missions
Water…
The issue of water is a major challenge of our
century, spiraling each day, epitomizing our era.
The Museum of Water and Fountain's mission is to raise awareness
regarding these important issues, to an audience as wide as
possible through thematic exhibitions, tours, entertainment for
children, a documentation centre ...
Our educational and information policy helps promote active
citizenship.
and fountains…
Once again, water spouts from fountains of
old! In an atmosphere of poetry and nostalgia, you will be
led back into times past, when our great grandmothers did all their
washing by hand. The village fountain, source of life itself,
played an important role in daily life, the heart of all news and
bustle.
The Museum of Water and Fountains wishes to reappraise and promote
this cultural heritage: publishing articles, organizing cultural
activities, restoration of fountains...
It's history
In 1983, Jean-Pierre Courtois publicly declares his passion for fountains, a past heritage of public utility too often neglected today.
1984: First exhibition in Virginal on subject of the fountains of Belgium. This exhibition draws no less than 1300 visitors during a weekend.
1985: Publication of an author's book "Fontaine, si tu m'étais contée…". Published at 1,000 copies, this book was the topic of many newspaper articles, radio and TV programmes.
1986: Creation of the "Friends of the Museum of Fountains" association and second exhibition on fountains of Belgium.
1989: Thanks to the generosity of John C. Martin, the association is housed in its present premises and opens to the public.
1995: A stamp of the Belgian Post is issued in honour of the Museum of Water and Fountains.
1999: HRH Prince Laurent visits the Museum to mark its first decade
Today, these many years of passion and drive have resulted in numerous projects including exhibitions, events, educational projects, new guided tours and activities…
From 1989 to-day, the Museum of Water and Fountains has staged several exhibitions around the theme of fountains including « Fountains of Paris », « Fountains of Rome », « Fountains of Switzerland », … as well as other themes : « Man and Water », « The Banter of the Water, Views of Africa », « the Smurfs in the Land of Fountains »,…