Ceramics tell a story here at the Mus\u00e9e communal de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. This museum offers a glimpse into the past. It shows the history of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
The Mus\u00e9e communal de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is also known as the Devos House. It sits on the edge of Roodebeek Park. The house itself is quite unique. Emile Devos built it in 1886. He was drawn to the area’s countryside charm.
Devos was a Brussels-based carpenter and contractor. Initially, he used the house as a country home. It only had two or three rooms. Over time, Devos made it his permanent residence. He expanded it with several wings and a striking rotunda. He also planted many trees around the property.
The Mus\u00e9e communal de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert became a museum in 1950. After Devos passed away without heirs the property went to the municipality. His second wife bequeathed it. There was a condition. The house had to become a museum. The park had to open to the public.
Step inside and discover the surprising interior. Many walls are covered in ceramic tiles. These tiles mainly come from Makkum. Makkum is a town in Friesland Holland. A family business has been making these tiles since the 17th century. Birds flowers and Dutch landscapes decorate the house. You can see them from the glass roof to the rotunda.
In 1912 Devos built the rotunda for his second wife Lydie Bricoult. She was an artist. The rotunda is visible from the park. People regularly held spiritism sessions there. This was a popular pastime among the wealthy during the Belle \u00c9poque.
The Mus\u00e9e communal de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert underwent major renovations between 2018 and 2020. Structural issues threatened the building’s stability. The facades and roofs were restored. The original glass roof was recreated. The interior was updated. It now meets modern technical standards.
Since 1980 the museum has housed the Albert Marinus Centre. Albert Marinus was a sociologist and writer. He studied intangible cultural heritage. The center has a library and organizes cultural events. It is recognized by UNESCO for its expertise.
The Roodebeek Park surrounds the Mus\u00e9e communal de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. The park covers 4.5 hectares. It combines the Devos and Montald properties. Constant Montald was a painter. He also left his property to the municipality.
Roodebeek Park opened to the public in 1948. Its uneven terrain comes from an old quarry. In the 1960s there was even a ski slope here. The park features a mix of trees. Some date back to its private era. Others are native species.
The Mus\u00e9e communal de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert isn’t just a museum. It is a journey through time. It embodies the passions of Emile Devos. It reflects the cultural heritage of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. The sculptures that are displayed are sometimes unique and are carved from wood or stone. It’s a place where history art and nature intertwine. It offers a unique experience for all who visit.