The Domaine de Seneffe consists of a neoclassical castle built in the 18th century, which houses the finest collection of silverware in Belgium, a theater, an orangery, an aviary and a 22 hectare park which is a mixture of a French garden , a pond and an island connected to the shore by a very romantic bridge.
Permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, cultural events and the possibility of renting rooms.
Château de Seneffe History
If today we can enjoy the magnificent Seneffe estate it is thanks to the considerable fortunes accumulated by Julien Depestre, merchant, banker and businessman of the eighteenth century
Count Depestre took a close interest in the construction of
his residence, between 1763 and 1768, asking the architect, Laurent-Benoît Dewez, to reflect the new lifestyle by focusing on comfort, intimacy and grandeur.
At Seneffe, neoclassical design displays a blend of French, Italian, and English influences.
The estate is now owned by the Ministry of the French Community of Belgium
Designed for walks and fun, the Domaine du Château de Seneffe park is also an outdoor exhibition venue, a space for events where visitors are seduced by the beauty of the site and the magic of the events that take place there. every spring and summer.
Restored in the spirit of the first occupants, Domain Park Castle Seneffe covers an area of 22 hectares. The original and regular lines are enhanced by a scenario of plantations that evokes the soul of the past, but whose harmonization takes into account the lessons of the past. Behind the castle, the large ornamental pond with two arms is punctuated by a 15 meter high water jet. Between the castle and the large ornamental pond, lime trees extend the galleries located in the main courtyard. Behind the theater there is a more "wild" area with various species. The pond has regained its original appearance and is elongated with a teardrop shape. A small bridge crosses the pond to reach the romantic island.
There is also an exhibition that presents various aspects of life in the eighteenth century: both the public side with all its splendor, and the more intimate or even secret aspects of everyday life.
Each room has two titles: its original name (eg The Great Hall) and the name of the recreated scene (eg Women's Gathering). A painted screen carries text describing the atmosphere of the room and we made sure every object on display is described.
Also famous is the silverware collection, housed in a larger environment than the life of the eighteenth century.
The Seneffe Castle is open to many events, from the most traditional to the most contemporary, even avant-garde. It is a meeting place for all artistic expressions, all curiosities, through all styles and eras.