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House of Giants, where folklore lives all year round

At the House of Giants, the celebration is not limited to a single summer day. It is told, passed on and experienced through a modern and intuitive museum route, set within an elegant historic residence featuring marble fireplaces, refined woodwork, gilding and delicate frescoes. Here, the history of the city of Ath, its folklore and its collective imagination come together to create an experience that is both cultural, playful and deeply moving.

An immersion into the giants and the identity of Ath

The visit introduces visitors to the seven giants, emblematic figures of the famous Ducasse of Ath (held on the fourth Sunday of August). Each giant opens a window onto a key aspect of local identity: the creation and development of the city, the communal festival, textile craftsmanship, goldsmithing, the wood industry of the 19th century and even pictorial arts.

Thanks to a multilingual application, the visit is fluid and accessible. Visitors explore at their own pace, guided by engaging stories that connect museum interpretation with living tradition. The exhibition design draws inspiration from the codes of folklore so that the magic of the celebration can be felt throughout the year.

Exceptional collections between art and tradition

The House of Giants preserves remarkable heritage pieces, including four treasures recognized by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. Among them are the Entombment of Mainvault (around 1400), the Portrait of Philip the Good (around 1500), the 19th-century giant heads, and the Dormal embroidered cope from the 18th century. These works tell not only the story of Ath but also that of celebration, craftsmanship and local expertise.

The collections create a subtle dialogue between childhood, memory, creativity and imagination. Visitors can sense the continuity between the gestures of the past and the enthusiasm of today, between heritage objects and a tradition that remains vibrantly alive.

A place where wonder awaits

The atmosphere naturally invites curiosity. Visitors are often surprised by the richness of the stories, the beauty of the setting and the creative way in which folklore is presented without becoming static. The House of Giants succeeds in making a complex cultural heritage accessible, inspiring visitors to learn more — and perhaps one day experience the festival itself.

Located in the heart of Ath, the museum fits perfectly into a broader exploration of the city and its traditions, whether visiting with family, friends or during a cultural getaway.

Opening times

Tuesday to Friday 10.00-17.00 (18.00 from June to September), weekends and public holidays 14.00-18.00 • Closed from 25/12 to 1/01, plus Sundays in December and January (except the 1st Sunday of the month)

Price

adults €8 • 65+ €7 • children, students €5 • children (<3) free of charge

Guided tour

(subject to prior booking) EN, FR, NL

Tour length

1.5 hrs or 2 hrs

Group

Price (min. 10 people) adults €6 pp. • Schoolchildren: €4

Guided tour Guided tour (EN, FR, NL): €50 for 1hr 30 or €60 for 2 hrs.

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