THE CENTER FOR CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND DOCUMENTATION (CCED)



The “Collections and Research” department ensures the preservation and accessibility of the heritage managed by the Museum and promotes research in experimental archaeology and prehistory.

It includes the Center for Conservation, Study, and Documentation (CCED), with its documentation unit open to the public, as well as the Laboratory of Experimental Archaeology.

THE CENTER FOR CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND DOCUMENTATION (CCED)



The CCED houses the Préhistomuseum’s storage facilities as well as its infrastructure for managing and studying archaeological collections. It also houses the Museum’s Documentation Unit, which is open to the public.
The CCED’s mission is to conserve, study, and disseminate the significant archaeological, natural, and documentary heritage managed by the Préhistomuseum.
The CCED’s archaeological storage areas and research spaces are open to the public through the exhibition “Archaeology | Professions and Research.”

Collections and Archives

The main collection managed by the CCED is that of the “Chercheurs de la Wallonie,” which brings together collections, archives, and a library focusing primarily on prehistory and archaeology, but also on speleology, biospeleology, geology, and paleontology. The CCED also serves as a repository for collections belonging to various public authorities (Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Walloon Heritage Agency, municipal administrations) or archaeological associations. In addition, the CCED ensures the conservation of the Ramioul Cave and the biodiversity surrounding it.

In short, the CCED is:


Material from nearly 500 archaeological sites, primarily located in the provinces of Liège and Namur.
The result of over 100 years of excavations and research.
Collections from Prehistory as well as the Gallo-Roman and Medieval periods, along with collections in biospeleology, mineralogy, and paleontology.
Collections from both amateur and professional archaeology (preventive or planned excavations), always accompanied by their archives.
A specialized library and archives center, with a document research assistance service.
An excavation repository accredited by the Walloon Heritage Agency (AWaP), with infrastructure for conservation, management, post-excavation work, and research.
You can download the CCED’s policy here.