Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry at Chantilly
June 7th - October 5th 2025
A Medieval Masterpiece
This summer, the Château de Chantilly invites you to experience a truly extraordinary exhibition that showcases one of the most priceless treasures from the Condé Museum, the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Commissioned by the Duke Jean de Berry (1360-1416), brother to King Charles V, this rare illuminated manuscript—created between circa 1412 and 1416—provides a unique glimpse of French history and medieval life.
Exploring French History - One Month at a Time
The book is particularly celebrated for its twelve full-page calendar illustrations, each depicting a month of the year alongside its astrological sign. These scenes juxtapose peasants at work with elegantly attired aristocrats, all set against familiar French landscapes and royal residences. For the first time since its creation, the twelve unbound leaves of the Très Riches Heures will be shown to the public. Housed in six specially designed, climate-controlled vertical cases, each leaf may be viewed from both sides. In the exhibition’s center, the fragile manuscript itself will rest on display, with its pages gently turned every two weeks to reveal new calendar scenes.
A generalized calendar (not specific to any year) of church feasts and saints’ days—often illustrated with representations of the Labours of the Months—is a standard component of a book of hours, yet the calendar pages of the Très Riches Heures display truly exceptional scale and invention. These pages record several of the châteaux that belonged to the royal family, including the Louvre (October), the Palais de la Cité (May), Sainte-Chapelle (June) and the Château de Vincennes (December). Visitors who have toured the Sully Wing of the Louvre will recognize that this manuscript supplied vital architectural details used to restore the fortress walls uncovered during archaeological excavations conducted before the construction of today’s glass pyramid.
Jean de Berry: Patron and Prince
This exhibition also offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a medieval prince, Jean de Berry, and his role as a political figure, patron of the arts and builder. Berry’s decision to commission this book emerged as an attempt to impose an idealized vision of French power and stability during what was in fact a troubled period in French history. This is a unique chance to admire firsthand one of the most iconic and treasured works of medieval art and a testament to the splendor and sophistication of its time.
Inside the Limbourg Workshop
Additionally, the exhibition will explore the career of the illustrators—the three Limbourg brothers (Jean, Hermann, Paul)—who used tempera, gold, silver and ink to decorate the vellum pages. The book was unfinished at their death and was later completed by other masters in the fifteenth century.
Let Us Plan Your Visit
Picturesque Voyages will help you book your visit to the Château de Chantilly so that you can be among the privileged few to view the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry in all its splendor. Whether you’re an art historian, a medievalist, or simply an admirer of breathtaking manuscripts, this exhibition promises an unforgettable journey.