Exhibition "Mary of Hungary. Art & Power in the Renaissance"

From November 22nd 2025 to May 10th 2026, the Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont presents "Mary of Hungary. Art & Power in the Renaissance", an exhibition highlighting the political, diplomatic and artistic role of a central 16th-century figure: Mary of Hungary, sister of the great Charles V and  governor of the Low Countries.

Historical works and multisensory installations - combining 3D models, music, images, animation, dance and video - will offer a fresh approach to the Renaissance.

 One clan, one future 

The Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont presents the vibrant episodes of an unparalleled imperial succession. The exhibition delves into the successful tactics devised by a queen well-known in the region and her family clan.

 Historical context

In the mid-16th century, Charles V, emperor and head of the House of Habsburg, extended his power over much of Europe. This dominance was nevertheless fragile, forcing the sovereign to adopt strategies to reinforce his power. One such strategy was to prepare his succession in favor of his son, the future Philip II. In light of these dynastic and political challenges, Mary of Hungary, the emperor's sister, affirmed herself as a fine strategist.

 Woman of power and strategist

The exhibition retraces the epic propaganda program conducted by Mary of Hungary and her entourage between 1539 and 1559. Combining prestige and majesty, she orchestrated a skillful apparatus servicing the imperial nucleus, thus impacting, through her actions, the course of art and the lines of European territories. A true woman of power and innovation, she called on influential artists from Italy, planned a dazzling tour to present the heir, organized the military defense of the Low Countries and ordered the construction of a palace in Binche and of a vast hunting estate in Mariemont.

"Mary of Hungary. Art & Power in the Renaissance" plunges into the origins of Mariemont to extend into the heart of 16th-century Europe. Under the aegis of the House of Habsburg, the exhibition retraces one of the most important historical events of the Renaissance!

 Loan 

The works on display come from the collections of the Royal Museum of Mariemont and some forty other Belgian and foreign institutions. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings, archival and archaeological documents, original goldsmithery items will be on display, some for the first time to the public.

Among the major pieces are portraits attributed to Titian, sculpted decorative elements by Jacques Du Brœucq, and two paintings depicting grandiose landscapes by Jan Brueghel de Velours and Denijs van Alsloot. The exhibition also presents the large tapestry recently acquired and restored for the occasion by the Cercle royal des Amis de Mariemont.

 MARY4ALL project

The exhibition also previews four multi-sensory installations combining 3D models, music, images, animation, dance and video. These immersive reconstructions of Renaissance art, architecture, landscapes and music are part of a European innovation project in digital mediation, MARY4ALL. The aim of the project is to combine heritage and digital technologies to promote a better understanding of history.

 Audio guide

A free audio guide is available via the IZI Travel app to accompany the exhibition. Visitors are guided by the voices of two of the main characters in our saga, Mary of Hungary and Charles V. A contemporary historian also provides modern insights.

The audio guide is available free of charge by scanning the QR codes within the exhibition or via this link. 

 Family tour

At the heart of the exhibition, the cultural mediation service offers a special tour designed for families (children aged 6 and over). This tour, which runs parallel to the main exhibition itinerary, invites visitors to explore the life and customs of the court of Mary of Hungary during the Renaissance in a fun and interactive way.

Eight mysterious chests, adorned with the monogram of Mary of Hungary, are scattered throughout the exhibition. Young and old alike are invited to use their powers of deduction and observation and try their hand at various activities: deciphering letters from the period, building a castle... or even dressing up in costumes according to the fashions and codes of the time. A memorable experience that combines a journey into the past with the challenges of today!

This tour is accessible free of charge within the exhibition. 

 Catalog

 "Bringing together previously unpublished contributions written by specialists, this book, designed as part of the exhibition, immerses the reader in the political and artistic history of our regions during the years 1539-1559.  In addition to presenting original works and documents, the reader will find the keys to understanding the origins of the long shared history that began between the former Netherlands and Belgium, as well as the decisive role played by Mary of Hungary at Mariemont during these fascinating years."  Excerpt from the back cover of the catalog. 

The catalog is available at the museum shop or via the online store for €40.
The catalog is only available in French.

 The art of heritage Challenge - Vote and bring alabaster back to life

The IRPA and the National Lottery are challenging the public to choose their favorite treasure from among eight nominated Belgian heritage treasures. Voting is open until February 1, 2026, for the work that you believe deserves sustainable conservation and restoration.

Mariemont supports the initiative of Gaasbeek Castle to enter its collection of alabaster bas-reliefs in this “challenge.” Among the 15 bas-reliefs in the collection, a masterpiece has been loaned to Mariemont and is featured in the exhibition “Mary of Hungary. Art & Power in the Renaissance.” It depicts Charles V embracing his wife Isabella, who in turn offers him her heart. A piece to be seen, but also to be preserved, restored, and perpetuated! To vote for its restoration, click here. 

 Curators

The exhibition is curated by Gilles Docquier, Curator of the Regional and State History Section at the Domain & Royal Musem of Mariemont & Krista De Jonge, Emerita Professor of Architectural History at KU Leuven.

 Production and partners 

The exhibition is co-produced by the Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont and the KU Leuven, with the Centre for Advanced Studies on the Renaissance in Tours (France). 

Placed under the Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen,  the exhibition is also part of the EUROPALIA ESPAÑA festival program.

The European project MARY4ALL is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.

*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

 EUROPALIA ESPAÑA

The exhibition is part of the EUROPALIA ESPAÑA festival program

This autumn, EUROPALIA celebrates its 30th edition with a large-scale Spanish biennale. Exactly forty years after its first edition in 1985, EUROPALIA ESPAÑA will unfold a multidisciplinary programme from 8 October 2025 to 1 February 2026 uniting heritage and contemporary art forms and providing fascinating perspectives on themes that connect and challenge us. With Francisco de Goya as its main focus and inspiration, it highlights the cultural richness of Spain through visual art, architecture, theatre, dance, music, performance, film, and literature. EUROPALIA ESPAÑA comprises in total some 150 events, spread throughout Belgium and presenting work by over 120 artists.

© Les Arts Décoratifs, Jean Tholance

© Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon/François Jay

© Musée royal de Mariemont 

© Musée royal de Mariemont (Don du Cercle royal des Amis de Mariemont ASBL)

© KBR, F 12930, plano C - Cabinet des Estampes

© Collection Château de Gaasbeek, photo Dominique Provost

© Museum Hof van Busleyden, photo Dries Van den Brande

© Museum Plantin-Moretus (coll.Cabinet des Estampes),Anvers-UNESCO Patrimoine Mondial

© Kerkfabriek van de Sint-Baafskathedraal