This superb 18th-century residence, covered by a luxuriant original vine, was allocated for various uses after the departure of the Trinitarians of the Priory of Orival by decision of Joseph II in 1784. After accommodating the poor, travellers and orphans over the years, it now houses only collections assembled since the 19th century.


Installed in the former refuge of the Trinitarians of the Priory of Orival, an order that was abolished in 1784 by decision of Joseph II, this superb residence also served as a workshop for the poor, an inn and an orphanage before officially becoming a museum. Today, in a timeless setting, you can admire the various collections assembled there since the 19th century by, among others, the Nivelles Archaeology Society, as well as several masterpieces of Brabant Gothic sculpture, an ensemble of sculptures by Laurent Delvaux, the sculptor of the Court of Brussels in the 18th century who lived and worked in Nivelles for many years, and many other important pieces that we invite you to discover.

On the second floor, the archaeology halls will familiarise you with the development of ways of life and techniques during prehistory and the Gallo-Roman era, while in one display case after another you will discover a whole panoply of objects found during research and excavations conducted in the region.

To satisfy your curiosity, don't hesitate to take a look in the library, also focussed on the history and archaeology of the region.

The Municipal Museum of Archaeology, Art and History is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm, the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 9:30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Closed Monday, Saturday and the other Sundays of the month.

To find out more, consult our page of practical information: "Visits and group packages"