The central mansion was built in the early 1600s by Jean Curtius, a successful arms supplier and gunpowder magnate.
The museum complex spans 5,000 square meters of exhibition space, connecting multiple historic townhouses.
It houses one of the most significant collections of Mosan art, a medieval school of art concentrated in the Meuse valley region.
The glass collection includes over 10,000 objects, documenting techniques from the Roman period to the present day.
The 'Evangeliary of Notger' is one of the museum's most precious treasures, reflecting the influence of the Prince-Bishops of Liège.
The integration of the various buildings involved a major modern architectural intervention that contrasts exposed concrete with original brickwork.
The site includes a display of 18th-century weapons, reflecting Liège's historical importance as a center for global arms manufacturing.
Le Grand Curtius is a museum complex in Liège, Belgium, housed within a restored 17th-century mansion built by industrialist Jean Curtius. The museum aggregates five previously independent collections, including the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Glass. The site integrates the Renaissance Curtius Palace with modern architectural additions, preserving the original brick and limestone facades. Its permanent collection spans over 7,000 years of history, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary glass art. Notable displays include the Mosan art collection, which highlights the distinct medieval aesthetic of the Meuse valley. The complex serves as the primary municipal museum for the city of Liège. It is centrally located in the Féronstrée district along the banks of the Meuse river.
The internal courtyard where the contrast between the historic 17th-century brick facade and the modern glass-and-steel architecture is most visible.
Focus your time on the Mosan art and religious metalwork sections, as these are uniquely specific to the region.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition schedule in advance, as they frequently rotate niche historical topics.
Use the museum's courtyard to access views of the historic architectural transition between the 17th-century brick and modern materials.
Do not attempt to see all permanent collections in a single visit if you have limited time, as the depth of the archives can be overwhelming.
Closed on Tuesdays.
