Discover Benelux | Culture | Musée international du Carnaval et du Masque
An exciting year at Binche’s international mask museum TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: OLIVIER DESART/MUSÉE INTERNATIONAL DU CARNAVAL ET DU MASQUE
The Belgian town of Binche is famed for its carnival, which was even declared a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2003. The town is also home to a fascinating museum dedicated to carnivals and masked traditions - not only in Binche, but across the entire world. “There is something unique to learn and understand from the masks in our collection, whether they come from Belgium, Africa, or anywhere else,” enthuses Clémence Mathieu, director and curator at the Musée International du Carnaval et du Masque. Home to around 10, 000 objects including masks, disguises and puppets, the museum is also a research and documentation centre focussing on the study and the preservation of global masking traditions. There is a permanent exhibition dedicated to masks from around the world, and an array of temporary
expos throughout the year. Showing until 15 April is Dieux de cuir, héros de bois (Gods of leather, wooden heroes), a discovery of Indonesia through its practices of masks and puppet theatre. This November the museum will open a new interpretation centre dedicated to Binche carnival. “It will be completely transformed and much more interactive. Even more exciting is that the opening will coincide with the 15 year anniversary of the carnival’s UNESCO recognition. Expect plenty of special events!” Upcoming exhibitions: - Guérir, Ensorceler, 24 May - 19 August An exploration of the mysterious world of healing rituals, spellbinding and divination. - Au Royaume des Touloulous. Le carnaval de Cayenne, Guyane Française, 14 June - 23 December Discover the carnival of Cayenne and the influence of European carnivals through an original course dotted with sound installations.
Views of the permanent collections of masks around the world.
The carnival of Binche.
Web: www.museedumasque.be