Musée de l'Eau et de la Fontaine

Musée de l'Eau et de la Fontaine is a small but strikingly focused museum in Belgian Wallonia, dedicated entirely to the history of water — how it has been sourced, carried, distributed and put to use through the centuries. Today the collection is housed within the Domaine provincial du Bois des Rêves in Ottignies, following a relocation from its original site.

How did this museum come to be?

The institution was founded in 1989 on the initiative of Jean-Pierre Courtois. In its early years the collection centered mainly on fountains, which is where the museum's name comes from. Over time the scope broadened considerably, drawing in a wide range of objects connected to both decorative and everyday water use. In September 2017 the museum moved to the Bois des Rêves domain in Ottignies, where part of the collection is now displayed within the park grounds, and where school and family programs have continued without interruption.

What is on display?

The collection holds roughly 600 pieces, spanning an unusually wide range of forms — ornamental fountains, rural farmyard wells, water pumps, water-carrying vessels, pipes, hydraulic equipment and water filters. Among the more notable items is a fragment of Roman lead piping dating to the 1st century AD, recovered from Pompeii, alongside a glazed earthenware indoor fountain of undetermined date. Together these objects trace how methods of bringing water into homes and farms changed across centuries.

Why does water get this much attention?

The museum does more than display historic artifacts — it also aims to raise visitors' awareness of present-day water challenges. The exhibition illustrates how demanding the simple act of fetching water once was, recalls trades that have since disappeared (such as water carriers), and prompts reflection on the fact that water transport and distribution remain a major challenge for humanity even today.

Who is this museum for?

The institution describes itself as one of the smallest museums in Belgium, yet its compact scale and tightly kept theme are precisely what make it worth a visit. Its educational program is aimed at both school groups and families with children, using workshops and hands-on activities to make the subject of water as a resource — one that should never be taken for granted — accessible to younger audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? Within the Domaine provincial du Bois des Rêves in Ottignies, in the province of Walloon Brabant.

Has the museum always been in this location? No — it was founded in 1989 at a different site and moved to Bois des Rêves in September 2017.

How large is the collection? Around 600 objects related to the history of water and fountains.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the museum runs regular educational activities for schools as well as family-oriented programs.