La Boverie

Imagine a green island of tranquility in the heart of a bustling city: this is La Boverie — a leading art museum and modern cultural center that is the pride of Liège. Located in the picturesque Parc de la Boverie in Belgium, this site is a harmonious duo of the historic 1905 Fine Arts Palace and an ultra-modern glass and concrete extension.

La Boverie. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum is famous for its permanent collections, featuring masterpieces by masters such as Matisse, Magritte, and the creator of Tintin, Hergé. Its location on an island between the Meuse River and the canal makes it more than just a gallery—it's a true cultural oasis where art meets nature.

La Boverie is a key link in the new urban axis connecting the Guillemins station and the shopping districts. This place perfectly reflects the spirit of modern Liège — open to the world, creative, and carefully preserving its great heritage.

For more details before your visit or to book group tours, you can use the museum's official contact information.

Inside La Boverie, a fascinating immersion into the world of art awaits you. Be sure to visit the lower level, home to the famous "Black Gallery": here, fragile graphic works, Magritte's sketches, and early Tintin drawings are carefully preserved. The first floor is usually dedicated to large-scale temporary exhibitions created in collaboration with the world's leading museums, including the Louvre.

Take note of the architecture itself — the new extension with its Egyptian-style concrete columns creates a striking contrast with the historic building. The museum's panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the park, making it feel as if the exhibition continues right into the open air.

Outside, in Parc de la Boverie itself, you can enjoy a break in true Belgian style: have a picnic on the lawn, go for a jog through the shady paths, or simply watch the Meuse River flow by. For active tourists, a walk along the promenade connecting the museum with the city's futuristic railway station is an excellent addition.

La Boverie occupies a prime location on the island between the Meuse River and the Dérivation Canal at Parc de la Boverie 3. The most scenic route to the museum leads from the famous Liège-Guillemins railway station, designed by Santiago Calatrava. A walk along the modern pedestrian and cycle path through the esplanade and the new bridge takes only 10–15 minutes.

If you prefer public transport, use the city buses or trams that stop within a few minutes' walk of the park entrance. For those traveling by taxi from the city center, the trip will be short and comfortable.

Motorists should look for parking lots located along the quays or in the immediate vicinity of the park area. Using a navigator with exact coordinates will help you easily find a spot and the shortest path to the main entrance.

The history of this place began in 1863, when Parc de la Boverie was established as part of major urban transformations in the city center. It takes its name from the French word bovins, recalling the times when cattle pastures were located here.

The museum building itself was erected in 1905 as the Palace of Fine Arts specifically for the International Exhibition. Built in an elegant Mannerist style, it became a symbol of the prosperity of the city, which at that time was one of the leaders of the Industrial Revolution. Even a century later, the facade retains the grandeur of the "Belle Époque."

A new chapter in the landmark's history began in the 2010s. Following an architectural competition, a project by Rudy Ricciotti and local studio p.HD breathed new life into the old building. The architects carefully preserved the historic appearance while adding a modern concrete and glass wing that seamlessly connects the museum with the surrounding landscape and the modern city axis.

To leisurely explore the museum's main exhibitions and walk through the shady paths of the park, most visitors need about 2–3 hours. This is the optimal time to enjoy the art and take a short break in nature.

If you plan to study the temporary exhibitions in detail or have a full picnic on the banks of the Meuse, it is better to set aside half a day for your visit. La Boverie encourages a relaxed pace, so there is no need to plan a rushed visit.

La Boverie museum is open to visitors six days a week. Please note that Monday is a closing day.

Opening hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00

Exploring the park's surroundings will allow you to feel the city's atmosphere more deeply and see Liège from different angles — from historic quarters to modern art spaces. By combining a visit to the museum with a walk to nearby attractions, you will get the most out of your trip.