The "Chantilly: The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry" exhibit offers an immersive journey into a remarkable 15th-century illuminated manuscript. Visitors can marvel at the exquisite artistry of the Limbourg brothers and other renowned artists, who utilized rare pigments to create striking iconography across 206 pages. With tickets starting at $22.84 and the exhibit’s wheelchair accessibility, it’s an opportunity to appreciate this cultural treasure and uncover its historical significance. What insights might this exhibit provide about the artistic legacy and patronage of the era?
Good To Know

- The exhibition offers an immersive experience of the renowned 15th-century Très Riches Heures manuscript, a masterpiece of medieval art.
- Tickets are reasonably priced at $22.84 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
- The exhibition is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity, and provides a meeting point for easy navigation.
- The Très Riches Heures manuscript was commissioned by the Duke of Berry and created by renowned artists, including the Limbourg brothers.
- The manuscript is recognized as a crown jewel of medieval artistry, captivating audiences with its exquisite ornamentation and rich iconography.
Exhibition Overview

The Chantilly: The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry Exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to experience the artistic grandeur and historical significance of the renowned Très Riches Heures manuscript.
Visitors can experience the artistic grandeur and historical significance of the renowned Très Riches Heures manuscript at the Chantilly exhibit.
Priced from $22.84 per person, the one-day exhibit allows guests to explore this medieval masterpiece.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment. The exhibit is wheelchair accessible, and the meeting point is available for easy navigation.
Guests are invited to discover the exquisite ornamentation and rich iconography that have made this manuscript a crown jewel of the Middle Ages.
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Artistic Significance

Though commissioned by Jean de Valois, Duke of Berry, in the early 15th century, the Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry is considered a pinnacle of medieval artistry. This magnificent manuscript involved renowned artists over decades, including the Limbourg brothers – Paul, Jean, and Hermann. Their exquisite ornamentation and rich iconography have cemented the work’s historical importance. The manuscript’s composition, artistic materials, and legacy are showcased in the following table:
| Composition | Artistic Materials | Legacy |
|————-|——————-|———|
| 206 pages with 66 large paintings and 65 miniatures | Crafted with the rarest pigments | Acquired by the Duke of Aumale in 1856, recognized as a crown jewel of his collection |
The Très Riches Heures has helped shape the public imagination of the Middle Ages and is celebrated as a magnificent collaborative cathedral book.
Manuscript Details

Comprising 206 pages, the Très Riches Heures features 66 large paintings and 65 miniatures, all crafted with the rarest pigments.
This meticulously created manuscript is a testament to the artistic prowess of its creators. Over decades, renowned artists like the Limbourg brothers worked on this crown jewel of the Duke of Berry’s collection, now recognized as a pinnacle of medieval artistry.
The detailed ornamentation and rich iconography within the manuscript have cemented its legacy, shaping the public’s imagination of the Middle Ages for centuries.
Cultural Impact

The Très Riches Heures has long captivated the public’s imagination, helping to shape their idealized vision of the Middle Ages. This magnificent manuscript, a collaborative cathedral book, stands as a testament to the rich artistry and patronage of the era:
It symbolizes the pinnacle of medieval artistry, with its exquisite ornamentation and rich iconography.
The involvement of renowned artists, such as the Limbourg brothers, over decades, showcases the collaborative nature of its creation.
The manuscript’s rediscovery after three centuries in private collections has only added to its cultural significance.
Its acquisition by the Duke of Aumale further solidified its status as a crown jewel of his collection.
The Très Riches Heures continues to captivate and inspire audiences, revealing the enduring power of medieval art and its impact on our understanding of the past.
Visitor Experience
What can visitors expect when they explore the Chantilly: The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry Exhibit? Visitors can enjoy the grandeur and historical significance of the Très Riches Heures manuscript. Wheelchair accessibility ensures inclusivity. Highlights include discovering the artistic masterpiece’s exquisite ornamentation and rich iconography. The exhibit runs for one day, and tickets can be booked in advance with free cancellation. See the table below for key visitor information:
| Tickets | Accessibility | Experience |
| — | — | — |
| From $22.84 | Wheelchair accessible | Explore artistic excellence |
| 1 day valid | Cancel up to 24 hours in advance | Discover historical significance |
| Reserve now, pay later | Directions provided | Immerse in medieval artistry |
Historical Context

The Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry is a 15th-century illuminated manuscript that offers a remarkable window into the world of medieval art and patronage.
Commissioned by Jean de Valois, Duke of Berry, this manuscript was a collaborative effort, involving the renowned Limbourg brothers and other artists over decades.
The work is celebrated for its:
Exquisite ornamentation
Rich iconography
Rare pigments
Historical significance
Lasting cultural impact
Acquired by the Duke of Aumale in 1856, the Très Riches Heures is recognized as a crown jewel of his collection, helping shape the public’s imagination of the Middle Ages.
Curatorial Insights

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to take in the artistic grandeur and historical significance of the Très Riches Heures, a pinnacle of medieval artistry.
Curators have meticulously assembled an immersive experience, enabling visitors to discover the manuscript’s exquisite ornamentation and rich iconography.
Through multimedia displays and contextual information, attendees will gain insight into the collaborative process behind this celebrated work, as well as its profound cultural impact.
Multimedia displays and contextual information offer insight into the collaborative process and cultural impact of this celebrated work.
The exhibition’s accessibility and focus on key highlights ensure a captivating and educational journey for all who visit.
Artistic Legacy

The Très Riches Heures’ artistic legacy transcends the confines of its time, standing as a seminal work that has captivated and inspired generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
Its influence can be seen in:
The reverence it commands as a pinnacle of medieval artistry
The ways it has shaped public perceptions of the Middle Ages
Its role in inspiring collaborative artistic endeavors
The manner in which it has been celebrated as a crown jewel of private collections
Its recognition as a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Exhibit Typically Take to Experience?
The exhibit typically takes 1-2 hours to fully experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the exquisite artistry and rich historical significance of the Très Riches Heures manuscript. The duration can vary depending on one’s pace and interest in the exhibition.
Are Audio Guides or Guided Tours Available for the Exhibit?
Audio guides and guided tours are available to enhance visitors’ experience of the exhibit. These options provide deeper insights into the manuscript’s significance and artistic details for an immersive exploration of this medieval masterpiece.
Is Photography Allowed Within the Exhibit Space?
Photography is allowed within the exhibit space, though visitors are asked to refrain from using flash to preserve the delicate manuscript. Guests are welcome to capture photos as they explore the artistic masterpieces on display.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Accommodations for Families?
The exhibit is family-friendly, with no age restrictions. Strollers are allowed, and there are designated areas for young visitors to engage with the artwork. Guided tours and activities tailored for children are available upon request.
Can Visitors Purchase Souvenirs or Related Merchandise On-Site?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and related merchandise on-site at the exhibition. The gift shop offers a variety of items inspired by the Très Riches Heures manuscript, including books, prints, and other keepsakes.
The Sum Up
The "Chantilly: The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry" exhibit offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking artistry of a 15th-century illuminated manuscript. Visitors can marvel at the exceptional craftsmanship, rich iconography, and historical significance of this cultural treasure, making it a must-see experience for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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