Temporary Exhibition "Vie de Grenier"

From May 21 till August 31,2010

A new space ...

On the second floor of the renovated Museum of Walloon Life a wing is reserved for hosting an annual cycle of temporary exhibitions.

‘Vie de Grenier' opens this new integrated circuit in the museum space, by taking an unusual and playful look at a number of treasures tracked down in the museum stocks that were once stored in the attic of the building.

What could be the link between a ‘stethophile', a wrecked up item and the indiscreet look of a chamber pot?

These are just some of the atypical and surprising items shown at the exhibition VIE de GRENIER.

The visitor will discover as well the ceremonial instruments used by King Leopold I, to lay the foundation stone of the Provincial Palace in Liege on June 11, 1849: the bob, the hammer and the mortar tray.

The surprising and original musical creations add a special touch to the particular atmosphere in some of the scenes.

In the first part, the diversity of the collected items gives us a precise insight into the main mission of the museum: the maintenance and transmission of customs and traditions. Whether they are gifts, inheritances, purchases, or entrusted, each item followed a different path before being identified, studied, restored, and to be finally exposed one day.

In the second part the visitor is confronted with the particular item.

Under the spotlights the object and in a special setting the item shares with us through anecdotes and humorous stories its own story, ours. In a secluded space, surrounded by soft shadows and atmospheric sounds, magic lanterns project outdated images.

Under the vision of the founders, we finally take part in the recent renovation of the museum by taking a glance behind the scenes through unprecedented pictures.

If your curiosity has been aroused by the sight of these strange items, then come and visit the exhibition VIE de GRENIER ! Some of these particular items still make us wonder. Please give us your testimony by filling out the document at the reception desk!

The catalogue of the exhibition VIE DE GRENIER, which is translated into three languages, is available in the museum shop. This booklet, with anecdotes, humorous stories and pictures of objects, presented in their original setting, will be a lovely souvenir of this original and lively exhibition.