La Maison de la Science (MASC) is one of the first permanent structures in Belgium whose mission is to promote and popularise science for all audiences.
In 1986, the first part of the collection, the Montefiore electrotechnical objects and instruments, was placed in a deposit. The Reuleaux kinematic models, a collection of holograms, gynaecological instruments, objects and instruments formerly kept by the Centre d'Histoire des Sciences et des Techniques de l'ULiège, which has since been disbanded, and minerals from the Laboratoire de Minéralogie were then added. In addition, various physics, chemistry and biology instruments, as well as numerous electrical devices (old radios, X-ray tubes, etc.), escape general classification and still need to be researched.
The Maison de la Science currently possesses about 1500 items, dating from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. These varied items document a large part of the science and technology heritage of the University of Liege in the fields of medicine, engineering, acoustics, physiology, pharmacy, mineralogy, etc.
Among the pieces of particular interest are the muscular balance by Théodore Schwann (classified as a "Treasure" of the heritage of the Walloon-Brussels Federation), the Blondel-Carpentier hysterometer, the Meyer panthelegraph, the large diapason by Koenig, the Wertheim apparatus, and the collection of arc lamps, several of which come from workshops in the region. Many of these objects also bear witness to the skills and know-how of manufacturers from Liege and other parts of Belgium.
Most of the collections are an integral part of ULiège's heritage, as the majority of the items, at some point in its history, were intended for university students (didactic models illustrating the principles of basic mechanics; holograms from the university's former holography laboratory; Montefiore objects intended for the practical training of young engineers and electricians, etc).
Beyond the historical dimension of its collections, the MASC is above all a living place of experience and learning. It has several interactive devices: a Faraday cage, an augmented reality sandbox, a thermal camera, a screen simulating archaeometry techniques, etc. These objects are of great educational value.
Thus, the MASC is a rather special museum where the pieces of the collections are combined with experimental demonstrations. Aimed at both family and school audiences, the MASC addresses, through its various objects and devices, very current social issues: for example, the use of animals in scientific practice, climate, pollution, energy, etc.
The MASC has many ongoing and future projects. In addition to the acquisition of new interesting pieces (such as a planetarium) and the rescue and conservation of new collections, the MASC has plans to reorganise its various exhibition rooms and its reserves, to continue the work of identification and study of all its collections, and to have several remarkable pieces recognised as "treasures" of the Walloon-Brussels Federation. The MASC also attaches great importance to the strengthening and use of collaborations in order to broaden its horizons.
Les collections de la Maison de la Science documente un large pan du patrimoine des sciences et des techniques à l’Université de Liège, dans les domaines de la médecine, de l’ingénierie, de l’acoustique, de la physiologie, de la pharmacie, de la minéralogie, etc.
