Upcoming ExhibitionS
The Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry
And
Books of hours: a history in objectS
SChâteau de Chantilly, Institut de France
Chantilly, Oise, France
7 June - 5 October 2025
Mai, dans le Calendrier des Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry Paris et Bourges, 1411-1485 © RMN-Grand Palais - Domaine de Chantilly - Michel Urtado
The Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry
The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry is the most famous manuscript in the world. Described as the ‘Mona Lisa’ of manuscripts, this collection of offices and prayers made especially for the Duke of Berry, brother of King Charles V of France, is a testament to the splendour and artistic refinement of the late Middle Ages.
Produced throughout the 15th century, this exceptional work was illuminated by the Limbourg brothers, eminent artists attached to the court of Burgundy and then of Berry, who revolutionised the history of art. Consisting of 121 miniatures, the Très Riches Heures capture the imagination with their depictions of historic castles, princely scenes and seasonal work in the fields that have shaped our perception of the Middle Ages.
To celebrate the restoration of this masterpiece, which has only been shown to the public twice since the end of the 19th century, an international exhibition has been set up, featuring almost 150 exhibits from all over the world. The exhibition provides visitors with an insight into each stage of the creation of the Très Riches Heures over almost a century and explains why the manuscript is still so popular.
The exhibition focuses particularly on the figure of Jean de Berry, his lavish patronage and his taste for books. For the first time since the prince’s death in 1416, all his books of hours known to date have been collected in one place. Manuscripts, sculptures, paintings and valuable works of art provide a comprehensive overview of the context behind the creation and dissemination of the Duke’s most ambitious work.
Due to the ongoing restoration of the manuscript, its famous calendar is on display unbound. Come and admire the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry as you will never see them again!
For more information, visit https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/evenement/les-tres-riches-heures-du-duc-de-berry/
Books of hours: a history in objects
As an extension of the major exhibition devoted to The Très Riches Heures of the Duke of Berry, the Reading Room presents a remarkable collection of over fifty Books of Hours, both manuscripts and printed editions, dating from the late 12th to the 19th century. These once-overlooked works now reveal the rich and fascinating history of a treasured book form that was both dreamt of and venerated.
For more information, visit https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/evenement/exhibition-books-of-hours-a-history-in-objects/