MUMASK – Musée du masque et du carnaval

About the museum

The idea of a museum of the Binche Carnival was born in 1947, backed by mayor Charles Deliège and teacher Samuël Glotz. A senior official of the Ministry of Culture persuaded them to broaden the project to other carnivals in Europe and the world. An exhibition on carnival in Wallonia, held in 1962, was such a success that the municipal council decided on 27 November 1963 to create the museum, and for twelve years it voted acquisition budgets. The Musée international du Carnaval et du Masque was inaugurated on 13 June 1975 with the exhibition “Le Masque dans la tradition européenne”.

The museum is housed in a building listed since 1965. The former residence of Count Philippe II de Lalaing became a college in 1570, was taken over in 1727 by the Augustinians, who rebuilt the main body in 1738 around a bluestone staircase; a wing was added in 1778, and the former chapel now serves as an auditorium.

Successive curators have brought together some 30,000 items (13,000 inventory numbers): masks, costumes, puppets, accessories, instruments, photographs and audiovisual documents. The museum studies carnivals and other masked practices on an equal footing, a rare approach among ethnology museums. In 2025, for its 50th anniversary, the institution modernised and became the MUMASK, with more immersive mediation tools aimed at the general public, children and visually or hearing-impaired visitors.

Highlights

• Collection of 30,000 items: masks, costumes and accessories from around the world
• Route on the Binche Carnival, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
• New permanent route “POPulaire. Fêtes de Belgique”
• Listed building, former 16th-century college
• Family room and play bags for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Regards sur les collections – Sensory and immersive journey through masks, costumes and accessories from masked traditions around the world.
• POPulaire. Fêtes de Belgique – Permanent route on the richness and diversity of Belgium's intangible heritage, with the country's festivals and traditions.

Founded

1975

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month.

Free for schools of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the press and holders of the Attractions et Tourisme, ICOM, museumPASSmusées, Carte Prof, Educpass and Amis du musée cards. Adult rates apply from age 19 to 60.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is certified “Access-i”, a label attesting to optimal accessibility for all audiences; an information sheet details the reception arrangements. Pets are not admitted, except dogs accompanying visually impaired visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family room between the “Regards sur les collections” and “POPulaire. Fêtes de Belgique” routes, with games and activities to extend the visit. The “Marmaille & Co” game bag can be borrowed free of charge at reception (ages 6 to 12), as well as the “UNES-QUI ? UNESCO !” game. Family afternoons, holiday courses, and birthday parties on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons (14:00–17:00) for ages 5 to 12.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks in the museum courtyard.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with free access from the main entrance during opening hours: museum publications, children's books, games, postcards and artisan gifts. For groups, the café offers breakfast (€8) or an afternoon snack (€9) by reservation.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

For companies and associations: renovated auditorium with 78 seats (85 m², €300, €200 for Binche associations), vaulted hall of 120 m² with bar (€300) and café able to accommodate 100 people.

Plan your visit