Centre d'Art Contemporain du Luxembourg Belge

Centre d'Art Contemporain du Luxembourg Belge (CACLB) is a contemporary art institution set on the historic and natural site of Montauban-Buzenol, straddling the border between the municipalities of Étalle and Virton in Belgium's Greater Region — close to the borders of France, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and French Lorraine. The center was founded in 1984 as part of a cultural decentralization policy pursued by the French Community of Belgium, and since 2007 it has been based at Buzenol, weaving together contemporary art, archaeology, heritage, and nature.

What can visitors see at CACLB?

The center focuses on producing temporary, site-specific monumental and environmental artworks that engage directly with the surrounding landscape — the forests, former industrial grounds, and archaeological remains scattered across the area. The exhibition program changes seasonally, showcasing artists working across a range of media and scales, from sculpture to large spatial installations.

What does the architecture of the site look like?

One of the most distinctive features of CACLB is its use of former shipping containers as exhibition architecture. The so-called Espace René Greisch, located on the lower part of the site, is built from four unusual shipping containers converted into a three-level exhibition space, connected by an external spiral staircase. Nearby stands the Bureau des forges, a rehabilitated former forge building hosting exhibitions across two floors. This blend of industrial rawness with gallery function gives the place a character rarely found in traditional art institutions.

What activities does the center offer besides exhibitions?

Beyond its exhibition program, CACLB runs craft and artistic workshops covering woodworking, foundry casting, slate carving, blacksmithing, basket weaving, and lacquer techniques. These activities are designed to introduce visitors — both adults and younger audiences — to the practical, hands-on side of artistic craftsmanship and the creative processes behind the works on display.

What is the mission of the Centre d'Art Contemporain du Luxembourg Belge?

Since its founding, CACLB's mission has been to promote and integrate contemporary visual arts within a rural setting, away from major urban art centers. The institution aims to demonstrate that contemporary art can thrive in direct contact with nature and local history, rather than being confined to the white-walled galleries of city museums.

Where exactly is CACLB located?

The exhibition grounds are located on Rue de Montauban in Buzenol (postal code B-6743), in the province of Luxembourg, Wallonia. Sitting at the meeting point of three countries, the center draws visitors not only from Belgium but also from neighboring regions of France and Luxembourg.

Frequently asked questions

Is CACLB a traditional museum? Not quite — it's better described as a contemporary art center combining outdoor and indoor exhibitions with craft workshops, spread across an extensive historic and natural site.

Since when has the center operated at its current location? The institution was founded in 1984, but it has been based on the Montauban-Buzenol site since 2007.

What stands out about the site's architecture? Most notably, the conversion of shipping containers into an exhibition space (Espace René Greisch) and the restored former forge building (Bureau des forges).

Can visitors take part in workshops? Yes, the center regularly organizes artistic craft sessions, including blacksmithing, foundry work, and basket weaving.