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Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry to Be Displayed in a Rare Landmark Exhibition

The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, one of the great illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, will take centre stage in a landmark exhibition at the Château de Chantilly, just north of Paris. This extraordinary event will run from 7 June to 5 October 2025 at Chantilly’s Jeu de Paume gallery, offering a rare opportunity to see this medieval masterpiece in unprecedented detail.

A Rare Opportunity to View a Masterpiece

Picture courtesy of Bibliothèque du musée Condé, Château de Chantilly

Created in the early 15th century for Jean I, Duke of Berry, this renowned Book of Hours is celebrated for its 121 stunning illuminations by the Limbourg brothers and subsequent artists. It is considered one of the finest examples of medieval art, blending Flemish, French, and Italian influences. Due to its extreme fragility, the manuscript is rarely exhibited, but its recent restoration allows for the display of 26 pages, including its famous calendar.

The exhibition will display the unbound pages vertically in specially designed, climate-controlled cases to protect the manuscript’s intricate details. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the complete manuscript through interactive digital flipbooks, blending historical preservation with modern technology.

Restoring a Cultural Treasure

The restoration of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry was made possible with the support of the TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund, which named the Musée Condé at Château de Chantilly its 2025 beneficiary. This funding supported repairs to the delicate parchment and vibrant paint, ensuring the manuscript’s long-term preservation. Experts from the French Museums Research and Restoration Centre (C2RMF) conducted analyses that revealed new insights into the manuscript’s creation.

A Multifaceted Exhibition

Jean de Cambrai, Tomb effigy of the Duke of Berry, Cathedral of Bourges © Olivier Rolland

The exhibition will delve deeply into the history, creation, and influence of the Très Riches Heures. Highlights include:

  • The Duke of Berry’s Legacy: Artefacts such as the Duke’s tomb effigy and treasures from his princely library will provide insights into the life of this influential patron of the arts.
  • An Artistic Collaboration: The exhibition will showcase works by the Limbourg brothers and other renowned illuminators, including Barthélemy d’Eyck and Jean Colombe, whose contributions helped shape the manuscript over decades.
  • Global Context: Exceptional loans from institutions such as the National Library of France and international museums will place Très Riches Heures within the broader tapestry of medieval art and culture.

For the first time since the Duke’s death in 1416, all surviving Books of Hours he commissioned will be brought together from Chantilly, Paris, Brussels, and New York. This remarkable assembly will shed light on the artistic innovation and opulence of the period.

In an effort to make this masterpiece more inclusive, the Château de Chantilly has partnered with the Valentin Haüy association to create tactile replicas of key illuminations. These 3D-printed models will allow visually impaired visitors to experience the manuscript’s artistry through touch. This initiative exemplifies Chantilly’s commitment to making art accessible to all.

Located 50 kilometres north of Paris, the Château de Chantilly is one of France’s most iconic historic sites, renowned for its art collections and beautifully preserved architecture. Tickets for the Très Riches Heures exhibition are now on sale, with daily attendance capped to ensure a quality experience. To learn more, please visit the Château de Chantilly’s official website.

@chateauchantilly Découvrez les deux enluminures « Le Christ au Mont des Oliviers », un diptyque incroyable. Vous souhaitez contribuer à la restauration de ces deux enluminures ? Ainsi, nous vous proposons de devenir le bienfaiteur de la page « Le Christ au Mont des Oliviers » qui sera présentée au public du 30 juillet au 12 août 2025. Pour adopter cette enluminure 👉 https://chateaudechantilly.fr/mecenes/projets/ Le Projet Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry est soutenu par la Fondation Etrillard. 📸 CNRS-IRHT © Bibliothèque du musée Condé #TresRichesHeures #TresRichesHeuresduducdeBerry #manuscrit #manuscritmedieval #enluminure #art #mecenat #restauration #patrimoine #exposition #astrology ♬ son original – Château de Chantilly

See also the digitized version of Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry

Top Image: Picture courtesy of RMN-Grand Palais – Domaine de Chantilly – Michel Urtado