Medieval Bestiary: Treasures from the Cabinet of Books" exhibition

In the calendar of the Très Riches Heures of the Duc de Berry, animals are present on every page. A fortiori, the rich medieval collections at Chantilly offer a rich and varied repertoire of animal themes. Companions of man since Creation, mirrors of human failings in fables or illuminated margins, subjects of fear, wonder or knowledge, the animals of medieval books offer a bestiary full of humanity and poetry. Around thirty Cantilian manuscripts and incunabula are on display for visitors to admire.

The Cabinet des livres is also involved in the Sublimes animaux project, the first collaborative virtual exhibition orchestrated by Armarium, the digital library of written, graphic and literary heritage in the Hauts-de-France region. This virtual exhibition, which focuses on medieval bestiary, is accessible to all, with fun sections for children. For the first few months of 2024, Chantilly's online treasures will also be on display in the sumptuous setting of the Cabinet des Livres.