The Museum of Photography, learning to look

A former convent open to the world

The Museum of Photography opened in 1987 in Mont-sur-Marchienne's former Carmelite convent. The contrast between convent and images from around the world already forms part of the visit. Born from Jeanne and Georges Vercheval's work and the Photographie Ouverte association, the project developed through collections and exhibitions. A new wing designed by L'Escaut Architecture was added in 2008. It lets two architectural eras be read together and reveals a photography museum as preserving ways of seeing too.

A façade working with light

Pause outside for Jeanine Cohen's intervention integrated into the new wing. Colours behind thin aluminium elements cast reflections changing with light and the sun's movement. Architecture plays with perception, like a photograph changing with the moment. Inside, routes connect technical history, documentary images and artistic approaches. Educational areas address the camera obscura, optical illusions and how framing selects reality.

Planning the journey to Mont-sur-Marchienne

The museum is at avenue Paul Pastur 11. Check exhibitions, times and conditions on the official website. Marchienne-Zone is a nearby station; plan the final walk according to mobility and chosen streets. The museum chiefly recommends Charleroi-Central followed by TEC bus 70, 71 or 170 to place des Essarts in Mont-sur-Marchienne. Check updated connections in SNCB and TEC planners. This avoids confusing the nearest station with the most convenient. Reception can explain a suitable route and advertised accessibility facilities.

Photos and credits

Photo 1 — Museum of Photography entrance, June 2008 view. Jmh2o · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source.

Photo 2 — New Museum of Photography wing on inauguration day, 1 June 2008. Jmh2o · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source.

Photo 3 — Museum seen from its park, photographed in July 2009. Michel Lefrancq · CC BY 3.0 · Source.