Not many people realize that one of the most outstanding museums dedicated to tarot is in Heffen-Mechelen, Belgium. Guido Gillabel has recently posted a large number of photos documenting his collection on his Facebook Page (open to all). The museum can be visited in person by appointment. I’m posting a few pictures to give you an idea what to expect from his virtual tour. You’ll find plenty of close-ups. I’ve seen lots of decks and artifacts that I never knew existed and things that have been on my wish-list since forever. Can you find any gems that you’d like to have—like tarot socks or statues in the style of Niki de St.Phalle!
Mary K. Greer has made tarot her life work. Check here for reports of goings-on in the world of tarot and cartomancy, articles on the history and practice of tarot, and materials on other cartomancy decks. Sorry, I no longer write reviews. Contact me
Mary K. Greer's Tarot Blog 
13 comments
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March 25, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Susan
Thank you Mary, for bringing so much of the creative Tarot World into my world. A hundred thousand blessings on your work!
March 26, 2011 at 1:57 am
pragathi
thank you mary for sharing this
its lovely museum and maintained well
I loved the Indian Ganjifa Cards and the kashmir wood cards…thats amazing…
March 26, 2011 at 10:38 am
Shell
An amazing museum. Had no idea there was one. Especially love the life size wax figures from the Tarot.
March 26, 2011 at 11:39 am
mkg
Shell –
K. Frank Jensen has a tarot and playing card museum in Denmark, and there’s a tarot museum (focus on tarot as art) in Italy:
http://www.arnellart.com/museodeitarocchi/brochure.htm .
Pragathi –
Yes, the wooden Kashimir Tarot cards are to die for. I had a chance to buy a set once for only $1,000. Didn’t have the money—but I did get the silk-screened deck, which is exquisite.
March 27, 2011 at 3:29 am
Stephanie
What an amazing place! I would love to visit one day.
March 27, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Maria
What a fabulous museum! Thank you so much for sharing this Mary.
March 29, 2011 at 6:46 am
Julia
Wow! Belgium is now on my list for future vacations.
March 30, 2011 at 7:19 am
Alec Satin
Mary, this is a true find.
I love seeing these photos from others who love tarot.
Thank you for your blog.
Alec
March 31, 2011 at 8:33 am
jameswells
Yum, yum, yum! This is a gourmet feast for tarotists. One could spend a week or more only in this museum. Swoon!
April 8, 2011 at 3:13 am
Chanel Bayless
I’m soooo salivating right now!
January 26, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Paris
Thank you, Mary. This is an interesting museum. I’ll add it to my itinerary.
February 10, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Jana
Hello, this looks like a great and wonderful collection and thank you for bringing awareness to it. May I please make you aware, though, that the pictured figurines you believe to be “porcelain statues by Niki de Saint Phalle” are indeed not but common paper maché figures “in the style of” by Niloc Pagen. Thank you for removing this claim from your description as to not confuse Niki’s fans in search of genuine Nanas.
Best regards.
February 12, 2014 at 1:14 pm
mkg
Jana – Thank you for the info on the Niki-like statues. I’ve made a change above.