Museum Vieille Montagne
Description
Experience the fascinating history of a small territory coveted for its mineral resources: Neutral Moresnet – a “microstate” between mining center and smugglers’ haven, a “no man’s land” between Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Discover zinc, the “plastic of the 19th century,” mining, and the captivating world of minerals.
What does Kelmis have to do with Napoleon’s bathtub? And why was the Three-Country Point once actually a Four-Country Point? Find the answers to these questions – and many more exciting stories – at the Museum Vieille Montagne.
Explore the museum and discover local history where it actually happened. Also, don’t miss our fascinating temporary exhibitions on historical and contemporary topics – www.mvm-kelmis.be.
If you are interested in a guided tour with a specific thematic focus, we will be happy to advise you.
Our guided tours are available in four languages (DE, FR, NL & EN).
The entire museum is barrier-free – with elevator and mobile chairs available!
Labels
Access-i certification valid from 04.06.2026 to 04.06.2029
People in wheelchairs Accessible with occasional help! Come accompanied! The difficulties encountered can be overcome with your companion/third-party help.
Strengths
Parking
- 2 large parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the entrance, on level ground. Dimensions: 3.4 x 6 m
Entrance
- Building and entrances are easily identifiable
- Entrances at ground level, with sufficient clear passage
- Staff have a clear view of the entrance and can provide assistance if necessary
Reception
- Immediately adjacent to the entrance
- Counter at a height of 93 cm; staff come out to assist if necessary
- Mobile payment system (with touchscreen and contactless options)
- Horizontal circulation
- Hard, non-slip flooring
- Sufficient width for movement and manoeuvring space
Vertical circulation
- A lift of sufficient size serves all floors
Exhibition
- Staff trained in accessibility
- Adapted guided tours available on request
- All exhibits are visible to a seated person
- Audio guides operate via scan pads. These are accessible, positioned at a maximum height of 115cm
Toilets
- An adapted toilet of sufficient size is available. The toilet bowl is at the correct height and fitted with two grab rails. The washbasin is located in the toilet
Points of attention
Vertical circulation
- There is insufficient clearance next to the call button on the 1st and 2nd floors
Exhibits
- Two exhibits are inaccessible to wheelchair users (binoculars and a microscope for analysing minerals)
- It is difficult to view certain documents, which are laid flat on tables (there is not always sufficient clearance under the tables)
Toilets
- The grab rails in the toilet are positioned too high; the fixed rail is angled and positioned too far from the toilet bowl
People who have difficulty walking Accessible! You can come alone. This location is fully accessible.
Strengths
Parking
- 2 large parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the entrance, on level ground. Dimensions: 3.4 x 6 m
- Picnic table available nearby
Entrance
- Building and entrances easily identifiable
- Level entrances with sufficient clear passage
- Staff have a view of the entrance and can provide assistance if necessary
Reception
- Immediately adjacent to the entrance
- Open counter; staff come out to assist if necessary
- Seating available
Horizontal circulation
- Hard, non-slip flooring
- Sufficient width for movement
- Stable, folding chairs with armrests are available for the visit
Vertical circulation
- A lift of sufficient size serves all floors
Exhibition
- Folding seats available
- Fixed seats available in some rooms
Toilets
- An accessible toilet is available and equipped with grab rails. The washbasin is located in the toilet
Points of attention
Reception
- Mobile payment device with touchscreen (but also offering contactless payment)
Blind people Accessible! You can come alone. This location is fully accessible. Strengths
Parking
- 2 parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the entrance
Entrance
- Entrances are clearly visible
- No obstacles on the access route
- Staff can see the entrance and can offer assistance if needed
Reception
- Immediately adjacent to the entrance
- Open counter, calm atmosphere. Staff come out to assist if necessary
- Payment accepted in cash, by bank transfer or contactless card
Horizontal circulation
- Sufficient headroom, no unsecured obstacles
Vertical circulation
- Lift : buttons positioned intuitively
- Lift : raised and Braille selection buttons, voice guidance in French
Exhibition
- Adapted guided tours in French, German, Dutch or English, organised on request, with hands-on exhibits
- Staff trained in accessibility
Toilets
- An accessible toilet with a washbasin is located near the reception
Points of attention
Reception
- Mobile payment terminal with touchscreen (contactless payment also available)
Vertical access
- Two poorly secured steps on the ground floor; please use the lift instead
- The handrails on the stairs do not extend beyond the edge
Exhibition
- The audio guide content does not automatically adapt to the user’s position. Assistance from a sighted companion is required
People with visual impairments Accessible! You can come alone. This location is fully accessible.
Strengths
Parking
- 2 parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the entrance
Entrance
- Entrances that are easy to identify and locate
- Outdoor lighting
- Contrasting doors and safety glass
- Staff can see the entrance and are able to offer assistance if required
Reception
- Immediately adjacent to the entrance
- Open counter, calm atmosphere, good lighting. Staff come out to assist if necessary
- Payment accepted in cash, by bank transfer or contactless card
Horizontal circulation
- Sufficient headroom
- Safety glass partitions
- Adequate lighting
- Good contrast, non-reflective flooring
Vertical circulation
- Lift : call buttons positioned intuitively
- Lift : raised and Braille selection buttons, voice guidance in French
Exhibition
- Accessible guided tours in French, German, Dutch or English, organised on request, with hands-on exhibits
- Staff trained in accessibility
Toilets
- An accessible toilet with a washbasin is located near the reception
- Points of attention
Reception
- Mobile payment terminal with touchscreen (contactless payment also available)
Vertical access
- Two poorly secured steps on the ground floor; please use the lift instead
- The handrails on the stairs do not extend beyond the edge of the steps
- Historic staircase without contrasting stair nosings
Exhibition
- The audio guide content does not automatically adapt to the user’s location. You must scan the QR codes on each information panel
- The captions and information panels are printed in too small a font (but the full content of the panels is available in the audio guide)
Deaf people Attention, particularities! Difficulties will be encountered on-site. Consult the points of attention for this location to prepare yourself.
Strengths
Parking
- On-site car park with free access
Entrance
- Easily identifiable entrances
- Staff have a clear view of the entrance and can offer assistance if needed
Reception
- Immediately adjacent to the entrance
- Open counter, calm atmosphere, good lighting. Staff come out to assist if needed
- Prices displayed at reception
- Payment accepted in cash, by bank transfer or contactless card
- Contact possible via email
- Staff are aware of accessibility needs but not trained in sign language
Horizontal circulation
- Adequate lighting throughout
- Simple building layout
- Staff available to show the way
Vertical circulation
- Stairs : adequate lighting
- Lift : digital floor display
- Lift : emergency call system compliant with lift accessibility standards
Exhibition
- Mainly visual exhibition
Toilets
- Well signposted
- Vacant/occupied indicator
Points of attention
Exhibition
- No information provided in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format
- No guided tours organised in sign language
People with hearing impairments Accessible! You can come alone. This location is fully accessible.
Strengths
Parking
- Free on-site parking
Entrance
- Easily identifiable entrances
- Staff have a clear view of the entrance and can offer assistance if needed
Reception
- Immediately adjacent to the entrance
- Open counter, calm atmosphere, good lighting. Staff come out to assist if necessary
- Prices displayed at reception
- Payment accepted in cash, by bank transfer or contactless card
- Contact possible via email
- Staff are aware of accessibility needs but not trained in sign language
Horizontal circulation
- Adequate lighting throughout
- Simple building
- Staff available to show visitors around
Vertical circulation
- Stairs : adequate lighting
- Lift : digital floor display
- Lift : emergency call system compliant with lift accessibility standards
Exhibition
- Mainly visual exhibition
- Audio guides with the option to connect headphones (bring your own; jack socket)
Toilets
- Clearly signposted
- Vacant/occupied indicator
Points of attention
Exhibition
- No information provided in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format
- Audio guides: low volume and cannot be adjusted. Please bring your own headphones (3.5mm jack)
People with comprehension difficulties Accessible! You can come alone. This location is fully accessible.
Strengths
Parking
- Free on-site parking
Entrance
- Building and entrances are easy to spot
- Staff can see the entrance and are on hand to help if needed
Reception
- Right next to the entrance
- Open reception desk, calm atmosphere, good lighting. Staff come out to help if necessary
- Prices displayed at reception
- Payment accepted in cash, by bank transfer or contactless card
- Staff trained in accessibility
Horizontal circulation
- Adequate lighting throughout
- Simple building layout
- Staff available to show the way
Vertical circulation
- Stairs : adequate lighting
- Lift : digital floor display
Exhibition
- Adapted guided tours available on request, with hands-on exhibits, bookable by phone or in person. Tours adapted to suit the audience
- Staff trained in accessibility
Toilets
- Clearly signposted
Points of attention
Vertical access
- Two poorly secured steps on the ground floor; please use the lift instead
- Historic staircase without contrasting step nosings
Exhibition
- No information that is easy to read and understand