Over the last 3 years, the Fund has commissioned several studies on the Château’s gardens as well as sending a mission to the Czech Republic to go through the archives of the Beaufort-Spontin family. The result is a two-volume reference publication and a double exhibition that will take place simultaneously in Namur and Freÿr, from 3 May to 22 September 2013.

It is the Château de Freÿr, former summer residence of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin, which is listed as exceptional Walloon heritage, which hosts the first part of the exhibition. Numerous works and documents tell the history of the region and its proprietors, its environment, architecture, gardens, decors and the famous rocks that have contributed to Freÿr’s renown.

In parallel, at the Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois – Trésor d’Oignies, a collection of works relating to the Beaufort-Spontin family – some of which are presented for the first time in Belgium – can be admired. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings, silverware, crystal and glassware, copperware and photography portray the historic, artistic and intellectual environment in which the family lived.

From 3 May to 22 September 2013, at the Château de Freÿr, Freÿr, 12 B-5540 Hastière and at the Musée Provincial des Arts Anciens du Namurois – Trésor d’Ognies (Rue de Fer 24, 5000 Namur)

Publication: ‘Freyr-sur-Meuse. Un patrimoine exceptionnel en province de Namur’, a bound, 2-volume boxed work of 1056 pages, € 75 (+ postage).

To order: Musée provincial des Arts anciens du Namurois-Trésor d'Oignies (TreM.a), Hôtel de Gaiffier d'Hestroy, Rue de Fer, 24, 5000 Namur. 0032 (0) 81 77 67 54. [email protected]