At the very top of the Citadelle, you can see a futuristic-looking star. As if lifted from the sky, it sparkles and sublimates the heritage and historical site of the Namur promontory.

However, it's not a star, but an architecturally audacious construction that invites you to travel, in a space-time where perception and understanding mingle with amazement and amusement.

Dedicated to digital cultures, the aptly named "Pavillon" takes up a major challenge for our society. This new exhibition space mixes art, science and technology to enable as many people as possible to understand and appropriate the impact of technological innovations on our times.

From Milan to Namur, a tribute to Belgium's history

It was in March 2021 that the Pavilion was inaugurated in Namur, but this building first had a life in Italy.

With its long corridor and dome reminiscent of Ardennes farmhouses and the royal greenhouses of Laeken, the Pavilion first represented Belgium at the Milan World Expo in 2015.

Created and signed by internationally renowned architect Patrick Genard, originally from Namur, the Pavilion is made of recyclable and insulating materials and was designed to be easily dismantled, transported and rebuilt, without leaving a footprint on the site. In fact, these assets earned it an award for eco-design.

After the World Fair, the City of Namur bought the building and had it rebuilt almost identically to guarantee its adaptation to the Belgian climate, ensure its solidity and make this temporary structure a permanent exhibition venue on the Citadelle site.

2500m² at the crossroads between art and digital

As soon as visitors enter the Pavilion, they become true explorers.

From the main exhibition space to the "lab", he experiences a journey through Walloon, Belgian and international innovations in science and research, while wondering about the impact of technological developments on our lives today and in the future.

The installations question the issues, challenge the limits and insist on experimentation so that the visit is not limited to a theoretical approach, but truly a learning and an experience.

At the end of the tour, the playful and interactive "playground" area awakens curiosity and wonder. Here, young and old alike discover digital technology through play and the five senses.

Namur, the Smart City

Supported by Namur's KIKK association, which is responsible for its day-to-day management, programming and animation, the Pavilion confirms Namur's orientation towards the new challenges of the future.

The general public, specialists and children alike, everyone finds their place at the Pavilion and can enjoy an off-the-beaten-track experience that will shape imagination, reflection and action for future uses in a world on the move.

Visit the pavilion

On video

Pavillon

Sources