The Grand Curtius

Liège tells its story through a group of houses

Opened in its current form in 2009, the Grand Curtius brings together collections once dispersed across several museums. Archaeology, arms, religious and Mosan art, glass and decorative arts create a journey through time. The emblematic palace is associated with Jean de Corte, known as Curtius, an arms and gunpowder merchant of the 16th and 17th centuries. Red bricks, pale stone and carved decoration contribute to the spectacle. But the interest extends beyond that façade: buildings and courtyards form a small heritage quarter in Liège's old heart.

The palace that was not the whole home

A surprising detail: the building called the Curtius palace served notably as guest accommodation and storage. The family residence stood on Féronstrée within a larger complex of outbuildings and garden. A prestigious name can therefore conceal a very practical organisation combining trade, representation and domestic life. Looking for courtyards and passages helps explain how a private fortune marked the city. This is not a neighbourhood legend but the museum's explanation of its buildings' use.

Creating a route suited to you

Check the official Grand Curtius website for access, open rooms, exhibitions and guided visits. It is better to choose a few departments and leave time for the buildings. Liège-Saint-Lambert station is a convenient arrival for continuing on foot through the historic centre to Féronstrée. From Guillemins, allow urban transport or a longer walk. Check connections for your chosen day. A walk towards Saint-Barthélemy and the quays pleasantly extends this reading of materials, façades and city.

Photos and credits

Photo 1 — Grand Curtius, photographed in 2022. FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.

Photo 2 — Another view of the Grand Curtius in 2022. FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.

Photo 3 — Grand Curtius detail in 2022. FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.