Le Centre de la Gravure et de l'Image imprimée
de la Communauté française de Belgique

Le Centre de la Gravure et de l'Image imprimée (Centre for Engravings and Prints) in La Louvière, Belgium, is housed in a contemporary building with 12,900 sq ft of exhibition space spread over three levels. There is no other museum of engravings and printed art quite like it. The present structure of the building which is both spacious and bright, still retains signs of its original function. Ceramic tiles and a sloping floor in the cellars recall the existence of a swimming pool in the 1930's. However the building situated at 10 rue des Amours was renovated in 1988 to its present appearance by the architect Hubert Pourtois and the interior designer Jean Glibert.

The museum functions both as a meeting point, and as a place for creativity and research. It is financed by the Communauté française de Belgique. Its primary objective is to promote contemporary graphic art, thanks mainly to its exceptional collection of 5,500 prints, 5,000 posters and 500 artists’ books and portfolios.

Art lovers, collectors, students and families alike can all learn about the art of engraving through various creative activities, designed in close collaboration with the artists.

 

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Enlargement of the Centre de la Gravure

Closing from mid February till September 2010

 

The building site begins on May 2009. From mid February till September 2010, the Center will have to close its doors to the public.
The reopening will be expected in September 2010: the inaugural exhibition will show many pieces from the Collection through all the floors.

 

Atelier d’architecture E. Spitzer sc. sprl.