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Le Cordaneum – Museum of Luthiery and the Violin, a promise of harmony and living craftsmanship

Le Cordaneum – Museum of Luthiery and the Violin, located in Marloie near Marche-en-Famenne, is a rare and almost confidential place where visitors step in quietly as if entering a workshop filled with music. Entirely dedicated to the art of string-instrument luthiery — violin, viola, cello and double bass — this living museum invites visitors to discover an ancestral craft that is patient, precise and passed down from generation to generation.

Created through a collaboration between the City of Marche-en-Famenne and master luthier Gauthier Louppe, the Cordaneum stands out for its deeply human approach. Here, music does not begin with sound alone: it begins much earlier, in the choice of wood, in the gesture of the craftsman and in the careful listening to the material.

Discover the behind-the-scenes of instrument making

The Cordaneum’s educational journey reveals, step by step, the secrets of luthiery. Visitors follow the entire creation process of an instrument: the choice of model, the selection of woods, the carving, the assembly, and finally the varnishing, the delicate stage where the instrument gradually reveals its identity.

The explanations are clear and accessible, helping visitors understand the complexity and refinement of this exceptional craft. Guests observe, compare and marvel at the precision of each gesture and the patience required at every stage. The soft silence of the place, sometimes crossed by a vibration or a musical note, reinforces this feeling of intimacy with musical craftsmanship.

A collection of instruments that tells the story of time

Throughout the visit, a collection of ancient, rare and contemporary instruments accompanies the narrative. Each piece illustrates a period, a technical evolution and a distinctive aesthetic. Shapes change, details vary, but the same goal remains: to create an instrument capable of carrying emotion.

These violins, violas, cellos and double basses tell the story of luthiery across the centuries. They also invite visitors to listen differently, to appreciate the richness of sound and the personality of an instrument shaped by hand.

An authentic setting, easy to access

Located in the Vieille Cense of Marloie, a building full of character, the Cordaneum offers a setting that is both authentic and peaceful. Stone walls, generous spaces and the simplicity of the architecture naturally highlight the instruments on display without overshadowing them.

Just a short walk from the train station, the museum is easily accessible, making it an ideal cultural stop during a stay in the Famenne region or a visit around Marche-en-Famenne. Visitors often arrive out of curiosity and leave enriched, touched by the quiet beauty of the place.

A living museum for curious visitors and enthusiasts

The Cordaneum is not reserved only for musicians. It also welcomes families, curious travellers and anyone interested in discovering authentic craftsmanship. Its educational approach is clear and engaging, making the visit accessible to everyone without oversimplifying the subject.

Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of what lies behind a string instrument — and with the pleasant feeling of having come closer to an art where time, listening and passion are essential.

Opening times

Tuesday to Saturday, 13.00-17.00 • Closed: Sundays and Mondays + December 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31, and January 1.

Price

adults €5 • children & students €3 • children (0-6 yrs) free of charge.

Tour length

1.5 hrs

Group

Price €3 per person + €50 for the guide.

Guided tour Group visits to the Cordaneum are by reservation only. It is recommended to book at least two weeks in advance. Visits can be conducted in French, English, Dutch, and German, subject to guide availability. Groups must consist of between 2 and 20 people.

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