'Burgundians in Limburg' in Venlo

Wilders' (PVV) stronghold is located in Venlo. In the past, the Burgundians ruled Limburg. The exhibition 'Burgundians in Limburg' can only be visited until February 1, 2026. Masterpieces that usually end up in museum storage are now on display in their entirety. Burgundian life in Limburg is now truly on view, covering the period before Charles V and before the Eighty Years' War. The museum is just a 50-meter walk from Venlo train station.

Burgundians in Limburg

Limburgers are known as 'true Burgundians'. The (self-)image is that we love fine dining, convivial gatherings, and grand, long parties. But how Burgundian is that, really? Who were the Burgundians who wielded power in the 15th century in what we now call Limburg?

Step into the unique exhibition Burgundians in Limburg in the Time of Yesteryear and let yourself be surrounded by characteristic music, beautiful objects, and intriguing stories that immerse you in the late Middle Ages. Starring in the exhibition are three generations of Burgundians: the illustrious dukes. Philip the Good (1396 - 1467), Charles the Bold (1433-1477) and Mary of Burgundy (= Maria de Rijke ((1457-1482)).

Discover the unknown Limburg stories of the late Middle Ages through magnificent loans from leading (inter)national collections, such as the Musée du Louvre, the Musée des Châteaux de Versailles, the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, and the Rijksmuseum. Imagine yourself in the encampment of the Siege of Neuss and take a seat at the table for the extravagant Banquet of the Pheasant.

 

The famous Banquet of the Pheasant

In the exhibition, take a seat at the richly set table of the Banquet of the Pheasant, which once tantalized the senses of dukes, knights, and courtiers. As you sit, you will hear eyewitness accounts from those present—their words transport you to the revelry of 1454, where knights swore grand oaths upon a living pheasant and spectacular scenes unfolded. Around you, the banquet comes to life in images, sound, and atmosphere. An experience in which you yourself are briefly a guest at the court.

 

The Burgundians (book)

The Burgundians is a historical book written by the Belgian author Bart van Loo. It is a history of the Burgundian dynasty, which played an important role in European history during the late Middle Ages. The Burgundians was first published in 2019 by publisher De Bezige Bij. The book has been released in various editions, including hardcover, paperback, and e-book, and has been translated into several languages.

The book tells the story of the rise and fall of the Burgundian dynasty, beginning with the founder of the dynasty, Philip the Bold, and ending with Charles the Bold. It describes their political intrigues, military campaigns, marriages and alliances, and the cultural and artistic flourishing they encouraged in the Burgundian Empire, which stretched across parts of what are now France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and parts of Germany and Switzerland.

Van Loo takes readers on a journey through the Middle Ages, highlighting the lives of some of the most colorful figures of that era, such as Philip the Good, John the Fearless, Mary of Burgundy, and Charles the Bold. He weaves together historical facts with anecdotes and personal stories. *The Burgundians* covers various themes relevant to both medieval history and modern times. Some of these themes include power politics, diplomacy, warfare, religion, art and culture, social structures, and gender roles. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                       [/one_half_last] (Belgium (1996): The solemn entry of Philip the Fair and Joanna of Castile into Brussels) The book was positively received by both critics and readers. It was praised for its thorough research, vivid narrative style, and accessibility to a broad audience. The Burgundians became a bestseller in Belgium and the Netherlands and won several literary prizes. It reached the shortlist of the Libris History Prize.  

<strong> More info: </strong>

Burgundians in Limburg, February 1, 2026: https://www.limburgsmuseum.nl/tentoonstelling/bourgondiers-in-limburg/ Everything about the books by Bart van Loo: https://www.bartvanloo.info/site/ Previous museum blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/made-in-holland/