Théâtre des Marionnettes Royal Ancien Impérial Musée Tchantchès

Théâtre des Marionnettes Royal Ancien Impérial – Musée Tchantchès is one of the most unusual places in Liège, blending a living puppet theatre tradition with a museum experience. It sits at 56 Rue Surlet, right in the heart of Outremeuse – the district that jokingly declares itself a separate "free republic" within the city and takes particular pride in preserving local folklore.

Where did these puppets come from?

The theatre's roots go back to the mid-19th century. Alexandre Ferdinand Pompée Conti, who arrived from Tuscany, settled in Belgium in 1854 and eventually made his home in Liège, bringing with him the Italian tradition of puppet theatre. Over time the venue took the name "théâtre royal ancien impérial" – though it remains unclear whether the "imperial" reference points to Napoleon or to Charlemagne, who plays a significant role in the region's own legends.

Who is Tchantchès?

Tchantchès isn't just the puppet after which the museum is named – he's a symbol of Liège's identity. The character is portrayed as a cheeky, quick-witted resident of Outremeuse, embodying the local spirit and sense of humour. A whole tradition has grown up around him: each year the district's oldest resident receives a special costume, which is later added to the museum's collection.

The collection

At the heart of the museum stands a set of 129 puppets crafted by Denis Bisscheroux, a sculptor and puppet-maker whose work is still regarded as a benchmark for the Liège puppet tradition. Since 15 January 1967, his puppets have had a permanent home here, at the Musée Tchantchès on Rue Surlet. Besides the puppets themselves, visitors can see costumes, props, and memorabilia tied to the theatre's history and to the figure of Tchantchès.

A living theatre, not just an exhibit

What sets this place apart from a typical museum is that the theatre is still active. The puppets aren't confined behind glass – they regularly come to life on stage during performances held from October to April, on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, as well as by special request for groups. This gives visitors the chance to see puppet animation technique performed live, much as it has been for generations.

Why visit?

The site stands out for several reasons. First, it demonstrates a rare continuity of tradition – the same theatre, the same art form, passed down almost without interruption since the 19th century. Second, it offers a window into Liège's local identity that guidebooks rarely capture – genuine urban folklore that is still practiced today, not merely displayed. Third, a visit combines museum elements – a collection, history, craftsmanship – with live entertainment, making it appealing both to adults interested in history and to families with children.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? At 56 Rue Surlet, in the Outremeuse district of Liège.

Who created the main puppet collection? Denis Bisscheroux, a sculptor and puppet-maker, author of the 129 puppets that form the core of the collection.

Since when have the puppets been housed here? Since 15 January 1967.

Can visitors see a live performance? Yes, shows run from October to April on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, and can also be arranged for groups on request.

How did the theatre come about? It traces back to 1854, when Alexandre Ferdinand Pompée Conti, who had arrived from Tuscany, settled in Liège and started the local puppet theatre tradition.