In Chantilly, the “Mona Lisa of manuscripts” is unveiled after intensive care

Published on June 1, 2025 at 3:39 p.m.

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On the left, a miniature of February, depicting peasant life in winter. On the right, a miniature of March and its agricultural work. In the background, the Château de Lusignan, which no longer exists today. RMN/GRAND PALAIS/MICHEL URTADO

Weakened by old manipulations, The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry , The treasures of the Château de Chantilly, in the Oise department, have undergone a series of examinations before undergoing a detailed restoration. The public will be able to admire them exceptionally from June 7.

Don't miss this event! One of the most sumptuous illuminated manuscripts in the world, The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry , preserved at the Château de Chantilly, will be unveiled to the public for four months. Bequeathed to the Institut de France by the Duke of Aumale, who called it his "wonderful book" , this 15th ^- century gem is usually kept in a vault in a room protected by heavy grilles. Its 66 large paintings and 65 miniatures by the Limbourg brothers, Barthélémy d'Eyck and Jean Colombe are only accessible to a handful of researchers. For this exceptional exhibition, not only will the original manuscript be opened to different pages, but above all, for the first time since their creation, the famous illuminations of its calendar - dismantled for restoration - will be presented independently, front and back.

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