Musée L, a dialogue of curiosities

When a library becomes an invitation

On Louvain-la-Neuve's place des Sciences, Musée L begins before its showcases. Concrete volumes, openings and changing levels encourage another way of looking. André Jacqmain designed this former university building in the 1970s. The university museum, founded in 1979, gained another dimension here in 2017 by bringing together UCLouvain's scientific collections too. The visit puts several ways of understanding the world in conversation.

Art, research objects and evidence of different cultures converse along a permanent route on six levels. Begin with an intriguing form, material or question. There is no need to recognise every work: follow a connection and discuss it instead. The building accompanies curiosity between broad viewpoints and closer encounters.

The L hides several doors

The museum explains that its letter evokes connections and laboratories, among other things. This small story changes the walk: the name already proposes a visiting method. Link two objects you would never have placed together. Then ask what unites them: use, silhouette, material or the way they make you react.

Planning a visit at your own pace

Check the official Musée L website for exhibitions, admission, guided activities and accessible options. Book arrangements requiring it. Leave a moment for façades from the square and choose some rooms rather than racing through every level.

By rail, use Louvain-la-Neuve station, then walk through the pedestrian centre to place des Sciences 3. Plan connections with official SNCB information. The centre's changing levels mean checking a route with a pushchair or wheelchair. Museum reception can specify the most appropriate entrance.

Photos and credits

Photo 1 — Musée L building, photographed in March 2018. Geertivp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.

Photo 2 — Musée L shortly after its 2017 opening. Romaine · CC0 1.0 · Source.

Photo 3 — Another Musée L view in November 2017. Romaine · CC0 1.0 · Source.