TIP: Visiting the Ickx family – new exhibition in Spa-Francorchamps

Are you in the Ardennes and do you like motorsport history? Then we have a great tip for you: the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum – already a great place for petrolheads – has a new gem. You can now visit a brand new permanent exhibition: The Ickx Space. The name says it all, this is a tribute to one of the most iconic families in Belgian motorsport.

Vanina, Jacky, Larissa – motorsport with a capital A

During the opening, which was attended by Vanina Ickx and her sister Larissa, it immediately became clear: this is not a boring display case with a few trophies. No, this is about the story of a family that has had petrol flowing through its veins for decades. Jacky Ickx, six-time winner of Le Mans, Formula 1 hero and all-round speed demon, is of course central. But daughter Vanina – herself a very accomplished racing driver – also gets plenty of attention. And Larissa? She shows her creative side with works of art that subtly refer to the family's racing DNA.

Helmet with a story

Eye-catcher – and actually also a lump in your throat moment – ​​is a charred helmet of Jacky. During the GP of Spain in 1970, he got trapped in a burning Ferrari. He barely survived, and the helmet is a reminder of the harsh reality of motorsport at that time. No HANS system, no Halo – just pure courage and a bit of luck. “This helmet is a symbol of resilience and courage,” says Vanina. And that sums it up nicely.

From Ensign to Porsche Legend Edition

Furthermore, there are more than 100 original pieces to admire: racing overalls, posters, photos, rare documents. And of course: cars! Two to be precise, but not the least. An Ensign F1 from 1976, with which Jacky drove his last full F1 season. And a deep blue Porsche 911 Carrera 4S “Jacky Ickx Belgian Legend Edition”, one of the 75 copies, neatly registered in his name in Monaco. If that isn't class...

A museum with dynamism

The nice thing about the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum is that it is not a dusty affair. The collection changes regularly, because everything is on loan from private collectors. More than 47 cars and 40 motorcycles tell the story of more than a century of motorsport. And all of that in the vaulted cellars of the beautiful Stavelot Abbey. That alone makes a visit worthwhile.

Practical

A ticket costs €11 for adults, €9,50 for children and seniors. Children up to 65 years old can enter for free. And do you have a museumPASS? Then you don't have to pay anything. More information and current opening hours can be found at:

👉 musee-circuit.be
👉 abbayedestavelot.be

So, are you up for a road trip to the Ardennes? Stavelot awaits!

(The photos continue below.)