The Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren, which presents the history of man from prehistory to the new Middle Ages, has been chosen as European museum of the year. 

The jury particularly praised the attractive presentation and the visitor-friendliness of the museum.  

In total 34 museums from 15 countries were nominated, including the Brussels Magritte Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Darwin State Museum in Moscow. 

Scenography

In 1994 the museum opened a new building, designed by the architect Alfredo De Gregorio. He also designed the concept for the permanent exhibition, in collaboration with the director and scenographer Niek Kortekaas.

From 2002 until 2009, there was another major renovation of the museum. One of the main attractions of the museum is the model of Roman Tongeren in 150 CE.There are also finds from the oldest archaeological site in Belgium on display, which are around 300,000 years old, as well as the largest collection of Celtic gold in the country.

On 29 October the major exhibition Sagalassos, City of Dreams, will open, the first overview of items found since 1990 at a dig at Sagalassos in Turkey led by Professor Mark Waelkens from the KU Leuven.  

For this exhibition the museum will collaborate with the opera director Guy Joosten.