Plaster-cast workshop
Created in the 19th century, under Leopold II, the molding workshop preserves and operates a collection of nearly 5000 molds made on works of art dating from prehistory to the 18th century. For 130 years, new plaster casts have been continuously produced.
Specialized craftsmen work each piece one by one using traditional molding and patina techniques.
A unique 19th Century Legacy
How it began
The story begins in the 19th century, when several European countries agreed to exchange plaster casts of their masterpieces. The newly founded Belgian state also decided to actively participate for educational purposes by buying, selling and exchanging casts. In order to help circulate the European heritage as widely as possible, Belgium opened its own plaster cast workshop in the Brussels’ Parc du Cinquantenaire where eventually more than 5000 casts and molds were created. Until the 1930s, museum visitors were able to admire the casts in a monumental display. Afterwards...
How it began
The story begins in the 19th century, when several European countries agreed to exchange plaster casts of their masterpieces. The newly founded Belgian state also decided to actively participate for educational purposes by buying, selling and exchanging casts. In order to help circulate the European heritage as widely as possible, Belgium opened its own plaster cast workshop in the Brussels’ Parc du Cinquantenaire where eventually more than 5000 casts and molds were created. Until the 1930s, museum visitors were able to admire the casts in a monumental display. Afterwards, partly due to changing museological views, the collection was moved and stored out of sight. The workshop, however, continued to operate!
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Atelier circa 1900
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Atelier circa 1900
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Atelier circa 1900
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Atelier circa 1900
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Atelier circa 1900
The Workshop - 130 years experience
Today
For 130 years, in this place master cast makers have been producing faithful copies of the most famous sculptures in European history from 19th century moulds. Forget 3D printing, our craftsmen only use traditional techniques. The pieces are made to order for other museums, academies, schools, companies and individuals both in Belgium and abroad. In this picture-perfect setting, you will come face to face with the most famous sculptures from antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance!
Celebration - 130 years of the workshop
L'Atelier de moulage célèbre son 130e anniversaire. Cette année marque précisément les 130 ans depuis l'ouverture de l'atelier au Parc du Cinquantenaire (1893-2023).
Raison de célébrer, avec style et en votre présence ! Les portes de l'atelier s'ouvriront cet automne à des heures exceptionnelles, pour un week-end festif et des expositions d'œuvres de deux artistes contemporains en résidence.
Discover the programmingArtist in residence : M. Louyest - La traversée de l’or blanc
The Plaster-cast workshop was inaugurated 130 years ago in the Parc du Cinquantenaire. In the framework of this anniversary, the workshop opens its doors to its first artist in residence: Myriam Louyest, a Belgian visual artist. In response to the collection and the craftsmanship of the workshop artisans, she presents a series of pieces created through glass casting. Her exhibition, "La traversée de l’or blanc," offers an astonishing journey through this historic place.
Learn moreArtist in residence : Thomas Bakker - Double Shelled Egg
The plaster-cast workshop may be 130 years old, but it continues to amaze and inspire. Artist Thomas Bakker is also engaging in a dialogue with the place and creating a new body of work with site-specific 16mm films. We will have the pleasure of welcoming him this season as the second artist in residence. His work will be exhibited in the plaster-cast workshop on the 14th and 15th of December, after which it will be on display at the Fondation CAB in Brussels.
Learn moreOrdering a plaster-cast
Would you like to place an order for a plaster cast ?
By offering casts for sale, the workshop makes art accessible to schools, academies, scientific and commercial institutions or enthusiasts in Belgium and abroad. A few small casts are in stock. But most reproductions (of busts, full-length statues, reliefs, and other sculptures) have to be ordered.
You can place an order via the e-mail address below.
Please note : The waiting time for a new order can be up to 2 years. So place your order on time! Thank you for your understanding.
Take contact with us?
E: moulages@kmkg-mrah.be
T: (0)2 741 72 94 - (0)2 741 72 93
Discover the Catalogue
You can place your order via e-mail using the address below.
Discover the cataloguePurchasing a plaster cast
A limited number of castings are available in stock. Most are made to order. You can place an order on site, by e-mail or by telephone. You can consult the catalog at the workshop itself or on the museum's website.
Place your orderVisiter l'Atelier
Vous souhaitez venir visiter l'atelier ?
L'atelier de moulage est libre d'accès pour les visites individuelles sans guide le jeudi de 13h30 à 16h. (sauf le jeudi de l'Ascension, les 2 et 15 novembre, les jours fériés si c'est un jeudi et la semaine entre Noël et Nouvel An). Le Musée Art & Histoire organise des visites guidées pour des groupes (avec démonstration) le mardi et le jeudi, uniquement sur réservation.
Réservez votre visiteStudents / Researchers
You are also welcome to the casting workshop to draw, take photographs, or film as part of your education or scientific research.
Soumettez votre demande iciVideo : Discover the Plaster-cast Workshop
Wondering how the perfect replicas of masterpieces from major European museums are made? Follow us for an exclusive tour of our casting workshop!
Video : Behind the scenes at the plaster-cast workshop
The RTBF report highlights the richness of the collections as well as the work of the employees of the molding workshop of the Royal Museums of Art and History.
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