Belgium’s charm shines with five notable new museums in Mons. The city’s 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage landmark, the Belfry of Mons—known locally as “el catiau”—is now open to visitors. You can climb 365 steps to reach the tower and its set of 49 bells housed in sandstone and blue stone, then enjoy some of Belgium’s famous chocolate while taking in the views.
Nearby, the Artothèque occupies the restored chapel of a former Ursulines convent and presents rotating art and history collections along with Neolithic artifacts. The setting blends architectural history with curated exhibitions, making it a peaceful place to explore the region’s cultural heritage.
The Doudou Museum celebrates Mons’ most famous tradition: the annual reenactment of Saint George’s victory over the dragon. Each year on May 31 the city’s central square stages the dramatic pageant that has earned recognition as part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage listings, complete with costumes, music and the dragon itself.
For a more somber but important perspective, the Mons Memorial Museum examines local conflicts and the broader human impact of war. Its exhibitions combine personal stories, historical context and artifacts to offer visitors a thoughtful reflection on the consequences of armed conflict in the region.
Finally, the Silex Museum, located above the Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes, interprets thousands of years of human development through the lens of prehistoric industry and daily life. The museum’s displays explain how early communities worked flint and how those technologies influenced the development of cultures over time. Guided tours of the original underground mines are available by advance arrangement, giving visitors a direct encounter with this important archaeological site.
Together, these five museums provide a diverse and engaging cultural itinerary in Mons—ranging from medieval towers and sacred architecture to living traditions, wartime memory and deep prehistory—making the city a compelling destination for history and culture enthusiasts.