Exhibition "Sensing the Buddha"

From 21 September 2024 to 20 April 2025, the Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont presents "Sensing the Buddha", an unprecedented immersion in the world of Buddhism.

The exhibition features innovative scenography that reveals the many representations of Buddha, the Buddhist pantheon, and its rituals.

 Buddha - cultural landscape

The iconic Buddha figure is well-known in Western society. Often seen as a decorative element in homes and gardens, as a symbol of ‘zen’ or of an idealized vision of Asia, Buddha holds multitude meanings.

But are they truly understood? What are the true meanings and stories behind the images associated with the Buddha? What spirituality resides in the artworks and how do Buddhists view them?

To answer these questions, the exhibition features a participatory scenography; providing a visitor experience where art meets sensibility. 

 One buddha, many buddhas

"Sensing the Buddha" at Mariemont showcases nearly a hundred artefacts from the museum’s collections. This exceptional selection spans across Asia, including India, China, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Himalayas.

It is a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of Buddhist iconography and gain a fresh perspective on Buddha.

 Mariemont collection

The works on display are made of bronze, ivory, wood, or lapis lazuli, and they emit a strong sense of presence and fascination. Raoul Warocqué -founder of the Royal Museum of Mariemont- played a significant role in establishing the Buddhist art collection as one of the cornerstones of his collection.

With this exhibition, Mariemont uncovers pieces that have not been publicly seen for nearly 65 years. As the collection was put in storage after the 1960 fire at the Chateau de Mariemont, previously unknown treasures are now unveiled, with some items specially restored for the event.

Additionally, rarely seen thangkas (Buddhist paintings) from the Léon Verbert collection, on loan from the Royal Museums of Art and History, are also presented.

 A closer look

The Museum encourages a deeper exploration of Buddha, inviting to come closer, pause, and observe.

Offer a gift in the form of origami.

Feel a connection within the visual atmosphere of a sanctuary.

Reflect on and explore the practices, meditation and gestures of Buddhism. 

"Sensing the Buddha" is more than an exhibition. It is a singular encounter with Buddhist art, an original experience combining history, art and sensibility.

Curated by

The exhibition is curated by Lyce Jankowski, Curator of the Section of Extra-European Arts and Lara Bauden, Scientific Assistant, at the Domaine & Musée royal de Mariemont & under the scientific supervision of Ann Heirman, Director of the Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies - Universiteit Gent.

Production and partners 

The exhibition is produced by the Domaine & Musée royal de Mariemont in partnership with the Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies - Universiteit Gent.

The works presented are drawn from the collections of the Musée royal de Mariemont and the Musées royaux d’Art et d’Histoire.