Stepping into the Renaissance at Mariemont

On 10 May 2026, the Royal Museum of Mariemont brought history to life with Celebrating the Renaissance, a vibrant festival marking the closing of the exhibition Mary of Hungary: Art & Power in the Renaissance. For one day, the Museum’s Domain was transformed into an immersive sixteenth-century setting, inviting visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and traditions of the Renaissance.

Designed for audiences of all ages, the festival offered a rich programme of free indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors explored the exhibition and the Museum’s collections through guided tours, while families enjoyed hands-on workshops and interactive activities inspired by Renaissance life.

Across the Domain, history unfolded through spectacular live performances. Archery and fencing demonstrations, theatrical performances, traditional singing and dancing, and a colourful costumed procession recreated the atmosphere of Renaissance festivities. The programme culminated in a grand show inspired by the ceremonial processions that once celebrated Europe’s royal courts.

The event attracted an impressive audience, with around 1,000 visitors exploring the exhibition and more than 2,000 people participating in the outdoor festivities throughout the day.

The festival was made possible through the support of the Friends of the Museum and the collaboration of around 20 local historical re-enactment associations. More than 350 volunteer reenactors, dressed in authentic period costumes, helped recreate the spirit of the Renaissance, offering visitors an engaging and memorable journey into Europe’s shared cultural past.

By combining historical scholarship with immersive experiences, Celebrating the Renaissance demonstrated how cultural heritage can inspire audiences of all generations, transforming museum visits into living encounters with European history.