Orval Abbey

Orval brewery, which is located inside the Abbey, was founded in 1931 in order to finance the large-scale works required to rebuild Orval. From the beginning, the brewery recruited employees from outside the Abbey, and one of these was the first master brewer, named Pappenheimer, who is credited with the recipe. The commercial policy of the brewery has always been adapted to the values observed by the Abbey community. The income from the brand is spent on social assistance and on maintaining the buildings.

The permanent exhibition clarifies how the Orval Trappist beer and cheese are made and why this has become part of the country’s culinary heritage. Interactive screens and an Abbey quiz are integrated to form an entertaining display. The last gallery of the visitor centre is dedicated to the monk and painter, Abraham. His work and life are interpreted and presented via a digital sketchbook.