Skip to main content

The Middle Ages

Guided visit

The feudal system, the rise of towns and the bourgeoisie, the class-based society, the role of the clergy and guilds—these are without a doubt core concepts in your lessons. But what was life really like for the average (and not-so-average) person during the early, high, and late Middle Ages? How did they furnish their homes, what did they spend money on, what occupied their minds? Studying medieval texts is one thing, but objects tell their own version of this historical era: a sturdy wooden chest for storing precious clothing, a silver reliquary adorned with gemstones, massive stone...

Read more
 
 
Reliquary of Pope Alexander, 1140/1145, Mosane region (Belgium/Netherlands), silver, copper alloy, oak, precious stones, flax & wool