BPS22 and the Museum of Photography: Charleroi, an overlooked cultural destination
BPS22, art in an industrial hall
Set inside a former 1911 industrial hall in the heart of Charleroi, BPS22 is the art museum of the Province of Hainaut. Reopened in 2015 after an ambitious renovation, it features two exhibition spaces: a large hall with spectacular volumes and a more intimate white room. The programme blends ancient, modern and contemporary art with a particular focus on cultural phenomena such as street art, counter-cultures and graphic design. Temporary exhibitions are regularly renewed and attract both Belgian and international artists.
The Museum of Photography, the largest in Europe
Located in Mont-sur-Marchienne, ten minutes by bus from central Charleroi, the Museum of Photography is considered the most important of its kind in Europe. Its permanent collection holds over 80,000 photographs, 800 of which are on permanent display in a chronological journey from the origins of the medium to contemporary creation. The building itself, a former neo-Gothic Carmelite convent extended by a modern wing, is worth the trip alone. Temporary exhibitions regularly welcome prestigious names from international photography.
The Upper Town and the belfry
Between museum visits, Charleroi's Upper Town offers a pleasant stroll. Place Charles II, the city's nerve centre, is dominated by the town hall and its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inaugurated in 1936, this Art Deco belfry rises to 70 metres and houses a carillon of 47 bells. Nearby, the Passage de la Bourse, a 19th-century covered gallery, retains a faded elegance that appeals to architecture enthusiasts. The cafe terraces on the square invite a break between cultural visits.
Access and practical tips
From Charleroi Airport, the Bus A shuttle reaches Charleroi-Sud station in 20 minutes. BPS22 is a 10-minute walk from the station. For the Museum of Photography, take TEC bus line 71 towards Mont-sur-Marchienne. Entry to BPS22 is free, while the Museum of Photography charges 7 euros for adults. Allow a full day to combine both museums, the Upper Town and a lunch break at one of the restaurants in the centre.