Belgium’s expansive precious metal work collection at Château de Seneffe

Behind its 18th-century neo-classical façade, the Seneffe estate hosts traditional, contemporary, and even avant-garde events. It includes a chateau, a 22-hectare English-style park with a French-style garden, a theatre, an orange grove, an aviary, a pond and an island that is connected to the main shore by a bridge and features the most beautiful collection of precious metal work in Belgium.

A precious metal work museum at Château de Seneffe

Located at the heart of Hainaut province in Wallonia, this bustling hub owes its reputation to Julien Depestre, the trader, banker, and businessman who built the residence. Featuring a design that is equal parts intimate and formal, the chateau exhibits French, Italian, and English influences. Salons, paintings galleries, and statues round off the collection, which he acquired throughout his life.

Two galleries featuring ionic columns, like the one shown above, showcase statues of Greek gods and goddesses and sculpted vases. © DR

This 19th-century inkwell includes three compartments of carved silver. © DR

A collection that’s classified as a national treasure of Belgium

Made of donations, bequests, and acquisitions, this patiently assembled collection showcases a series of silver pieces, most of which were produced in the region. Plates, utensils, salt shakers, cups, steins, marriage chests, tea sets, and hot chocolate pots are the highlights of the museum, especially since the authorities classified the rams-head soup tureens as a national treasure.

Don’t look for similar andirons at your local antique dealer… this model is one of a kind. © DR

With its decorative rams heads, this soup tureen, which showcases animal-themed art, is simply priceless. © DR