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!
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, in which the Coudenberg Palace is an associated partner. The aim of the project is to combine heritage and digital technologies to promote a better understanding of history.
