PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A new exhibition project at the Musée Royal de Mariemont (for 2025-2026) aims to shed light on the strategies implemented by Emperor Charles V at the end of his reign to reinforce his imperial image and organize his dynastic succession.

The content of this exhibition will combine "small" and "big" history.  The local history and identity of European towns and sites such as Binche-Mariemont, which in the context of Charles V's European "empire" (thanks to the support of Mary of Hungary) were a "laboratory" for imperial policy, a place of power and prestige, towards which all eyes were focused in the summer of 1549. And the theater of power and war under Charles V in 16th-century Europe, the paradox of war destruction and architectural renaissance, European collaboration and mobility in wartime, particularly in the years 1552-1553, when war became the sole occupation of an entire youth.

Mariemont is looking for partners interested in contributing to the development of research, digital innovation (including a digital EU-traveling version of the exhibition), and artistic creation around this exhibition/topic

ORGANISATION DESCRIPTION

Situated in the province of Hainaut (southern Belgium) on a site of over 40 hectares, the Domain & Royal Museum of Mariemont represents a European place of memory, the estate being linked to the major events, cultural trends and personalities of European history over the last 500 years, including Charles V. Our museum collections, initiated by a visionary businessman linked to Europe's industrial revolution, are world-renowned. Today, the museum and estate are the property of the French Community of Belgium, and the museum is its sole research institution.