Gallo-Roman Museum

Step into the rich tapestry of history at the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren, Belgium, a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and stories that span millennia. Known locally as the Gallo-Romeins Museum, this institution is a beacon for anyone fascinated by the prehistoric and Roman eras. Opened in 1954, the museum has grown and evolved, becoming a key destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Origins of the Gallo-Roman Museum

The roots of the Gallo-Roman Museum stretch back to the 19th century, when the Koninklijk Geschied- en Oudheidkundig Genootschap van Tongeren (Royal Historical and Archaeological Society of Tongeren) began collecting archaeological finds from the region. By 1854, parts of this collection were already on public display in the city. The collection found a more permanent home in 1937 when it was exhibited at the Provincial Museum in the Beguinage of Hasselt. However, it wasn't until 1954 that the artifacts returned to Tongeren, housed in the newly established Gallo-Roman Museum.

Since its inception, the museum has continually expanded its collection through donations and archaeological excavations conducted by both the museum's archaeologists and the national excavation service of Belgium. A significant milestone came in 1994 with the opening of a new building designed by architect Alfredo De Gregorio. Further expansion occurred in 2006, and in 2011, the museum was honored as the first Belgian museum to receive the European Museum of the Year Award.

The Permanent Exhibition

The Gallo-Roman Museum's permanent exhibition is a fascinating journey through time, covering prehistory and early history, with a particular focus on the provincial Roman archaeology of Tongeren and the Limburg province. The exhibition features over 2,000 artifacts, offering a comprehensive overview of the region's history from the Neanderthals, through the early Neolithic farmers, to the cultures of the Celts and Germans, and finally to the Gallo-Roman culture and the end of Roman rule, leading into the Merovingian period.

The museum's motto, inspired by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, is Τὰ ἑξῆς ἀεὶ τοῖς προηγησαμένοις οἰκείως ἐπιγίνεται (translated: What follows is always related to what came before). This philosophy underscores the museum's mission to make the present more comprehensible through the lens of the past. The museum's design caters to both adults and children, with interactive presentations and a special audio guide for children aged six to twelve. Visitors can also book guided tours of the museum and archaeological sites in the surrounding area. Photography within the museum is unrestricted, allowing visitors to capture their journey through history.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Gallo-Roman Museum is also renowned for its temporary exhibitions, which have drawn significant attention and acclaim. From 2003 to 2005, the museum curated the Neanderthals in Europe exhibition, which later traveled to the Helms Museum in Hamburg, attracting 145,704 visitors. Other notable exhibitions include Ambiorix, King of the Eburones (2009/2010), Sagalassos, City of Dreams (2011/2012), and The Etruscans - Una Storia Particolare (2013). Each exhibition offers a unique glimpse into different aspects of ancient history, making the museum a dynamic and ever-evolving institution.

More recent exhibitions have included The Vikings (2014/2015), Gladiators - Heroes of the Colosseum (2015/2016), and Timeless Beauty (2016/2017). The museum continues to attract visitors with its thought-provoking and well-curated exhibitions, such as Stonehenge, Beyond the Mystery (2018/2019) and Dacia Felix, the Roman Past of Romania (2019/2020). The current exhibition, Face to Face with the Romans (2021), promises to be another captivating exploration of ancient history.

The Museum Library

For those who wish to delve deeper into the subjects presented in the museum, the Gallo-Roman Museum houses a library with an impressive collection of around 7,000 books and 350 series of specialized journals. This library is not only a valuable resource for the museum's staff but is also available to external researchers and students as a reference library.

In conclusion, the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren is more than just a museum; it is a gateway to understanding the rich and complex history of the region. Whether you are a history buff, a casual visitor, or a student of archaeology, the museum offers an engaging and educational experience that connects the past with the present. Its extensive collections, interactive exhibits, and captivating temporary exhibitions make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the ancient world.