The Place
A neoclassical showcase to protect our puppets
The Puppet Center of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the Museum of Puppetry Arts and the Créa-Théâtre group are housed in a building that is unique in many ways. Known in Tournai as the Peeters Mansion, it was built in a neoclassical style at the beginning of the 19th century, in the heart of the city.
The site has witnessed a history far older than the building, spanning centuries marked by Tournai’s major turning points as a place of worship, rest and battle.
Located at the far end of our charming park, the Tour Saint-Georges is a remnant of the first communal walls, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. After its initial defensive use, it was used by the Crossbowmen’s Guild to build a shooting range.
The site then came under religious occupation. In the 17th century, a monastery was built for nuns, whose mission was to educate young people on the margins of society, until 1796.
The site was acquired by a private individual in 1803, and the mansion was built at that time. It is the same mansion you can visit today.
In 1980, the City of Tournai acquired the site. The town then proposed that the Créa-Théâtre art group install and create the Puppet Center there. The company inaugurated the building in 1986, giving new life to this home, which had long remained uninhabited.
With its caryatids, mascarons supporting the moulded window cornices, and its remarkable interior decor, the Peeters Mansion is an outstanding example of the neoclassical style that emerged in our region during the 19th century, under the Empire. Although fairly modest in scale, the building appears monumental. Its sloping roof is crowned with a small bell turret. The helical staircase, the Empire-style decor, and the anachronistic juxtaposition of styles all enhance the appeal of this exceptional residence, as does the quality of its interiors.
During our opening hours, feel free to stroll through our park!
Discover the museum from the comfort of your home with a 3D rendering of our building.
You can even use it with a virtual reality headset!
