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Major Sabbe barracks, now the Carré des Arts

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The Major Sabbe Barracks: Where History Meets Culture

Once a military barracks, now the vibrant heart of artistic creation, the Caserne Guillaume is an iconic site in Mons. From its military past to its current role in artistic education, it hosts the annual Festival au Carré, a cultural event not to be missed. Immerse yourself in this fascinating place where heritage and art come together.

About the activity

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Languages

FR

Built between 1824 and 1827, the Caserne Guillaume was originally a modern barracks for the foot hunters of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. After World War I, it was renamed "Major Sabbe Barracks" and remained in use until World War II. It then became the home of the Jean d'Avesnes Athenaeum.

Since 1995, the barracks have been repurposed for higher artistic education, becoming a true cultural hub of the city. In 2000, the regional television station Télé Mons Borinage also established its offices there.

Today, the Caserne Guillaume is a place of creativity and connection. Every year, during the first half of July, it hosts the "Festival au Carré", a flagship event dedicated to performing arts and contemporary creations.

General Information

Contact Information

Address

Rue des Soeurs Noires,7000 Mons

Reviews

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These reviews are collected from Google Reviews

J
Jae Do🇩🇪
July 24, 2025

Es gibt zwei unterschiedliche Teile. Das ehemalige Kloster erzählt die Geschichte von Mons mit einem geografischen Sinn und seinen Gärten. Der neue Teil ist ein Gebäude mit temporären Ausstellungen, das aber in gewisser Weise mit der Stadt verbunden ist. Das Personal ist freundlich.

M
Miles Forrest🇬🇧
July 22, 2025

If you appreciate modern conceptual art you"ll like the place. It's worth to read the descriptions and guidelines to get the most out of your visit, The staff is very polite and friendly.

V
Vultura Von🇫🇷
July 9, 2025

Alors oui, lieu important etc mais decue , la première fois que je m’y rend de Bruxelles, jour officiellement ouvert, et bien les portes sont fermées car le bourgemestre ou échevin je sais plus a monopolisé le lieu, pas très pro de pas l’annoncer sur Google je ne visite pas leur site car j’ai une carte musee.

M
Marianne🇩🇪
April 23, 2025

Sehr freundliches Personal, das uns beide herumführte und uns weitere Tipps zu Mons gab. Die Ausstellung über die Geschichte von Mon war sehr interessant. Auch die andere temporäre, die Bilder von Mons von damals und heute in der gleichen Perspektive zeigte.

K
Klaske de Jonge🇬🇧
April 21, 2025

Wonderful museum that combines the history of Mons with great modern art of local artists. Highly recommended