Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Museum · Ath, Hainaut
House of Giants
Museum of procession giants, housed in an 18th-century mansion in front of the church of Saint-Julien. It tells the story of giants in Europe and the Ducasse d'Ath, with figures, costumes and festival objects.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About House of Giants
The Maison des Géants opened in 2000 in the former Cambier castle, an 18th-century mansion purchased by the city in 1995. It is on rue de Pintamont, in front of the church of Saint-Julien, a few steps from the Grand-Place.
The museum addresses the procession giants, enormous figures carried by men in the festivals of many towns in Belgium, northern France and other European countries. It explains the religious origin of these processions, the making of the figures in wicker and fabric and the role of the carriers.
The centre of the visit is the giants of Ath and the late-August ducasse, with Goliath, his wife and the other characters who go out into the streets. The route has been renewed and received items from the former local history and folklore museum, with a multilingual app to accompany the visit.
For those not in Ath on festival days, the museum is the way to understand why the city presents itself as the city of giants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half hours.
Best time
At any time; in the weeks before the ducasse there are activities linked to the festival. Opening days vary; consult the museum.
How to get there
On rue de Pintamont, in front of the church of Saint-Julien; from the station, walk toward the center.
Tip
Visit it before touring the center: many places in the city feature on the giants’ route during the ducasse.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about House of Giants
What is the Maison des Géants?
A museum dedicated to procession giants of Europe and, in particular, to the giants of the Ducasse d'Ath.
Where is the Maison des Géants?
On rue de Pintamont, in central Ath, in front of the church of Saint-Julien.
How long does the visit to the Maison des Géants take?
About an hour and a half.