Museums - Musée International du Carnaval et du Masque

Since 1975, this museum has occupied the former Collège des Augustins of the town of Binche, noted for its Carnival. It is unique in its mission to assemble a collection of works from masking traditions around the world. At first, the museum’s acquisition policy focused on works from European countries, but since 1982 it has shifted to include tribal cultures. The museum has now become a true center for comparative ethnography. Now the galleries feature such treasures as the first known examples of Pre-Columbian terracotta masks (Tlatilco, Mexico), various types of African masks, including helmet masks and crested masks, as well as woven dance costumes from the Asmat of Irian Jaya. In an effort to present the whole of its eclectic collection, part of which is held in storage, the museum often mounts temporary exhibitions.