Masonic Satire
June 5 – October 30, 2026
A temporary exhibition in which the art of caricature engages in dialogue with the major themes explored in our permanent collection.
Through ten remarkable caricatures drawn from the satirical newspaper Le Frondeur (1868–1869), discover a biting visual world populated by voluptuous monks, hypocritical clergymen and indolent politicians.
Produced within the vibrant context of the nineteenth century by the liberal and anti-clerical bourgeois circles associated with the Leuven lodge La Constance, these fascinating images challenge the power of the Church and the political tensions of their time with wit and audacity.
This exhibition invites visitors to decode a rich and surprising iconography while drawing compelling connections with the objects and ideas presented throughout the museum’s permanent displays.
Combining satire, history and a critical perspective on society, it offers an original experience that sheds light on the past with striking modern relevance. A unique opportunity to discover rare, humorous and provocative works that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Nocturnes : stories and degustation, a taste of freemasonry
16 April 18:00 - 22:00
EXPO The tracing board is a symbolic image rooted in a long tradition of transmitting knowledge. From Antiquity to speculative Freemasonry, it has served as a tool for memory and as a visual guide for an inner journey. More than a collection of symbols, it invites you to slow down, observe, and create their own meaningful connections.
GUIDED TOUR Thanks to guided tours of the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition The Secret of the Tracing Boards, discover the history and symbols of Freemasonry while enjoying a drink and a bite.
Tickets : https://nocturnes.brussels/
Erfgoeddag : Humor van toen - De karikaturen van De Frondeur
26 april 11:00 - 17:00
As part of Flemish Heritage Day, step into the world of Le Frondeur, a liberal and anticlerical periodical published in Leuven between 1868 and 1869. Discover 37 sharp and masterful caricatures in which priests, monks, bishops, and politicians are incisively ridiculed.
Their subtleties are not always immediately apparent: the satire plays on double meanings and refers to a world that is now 150 years distant. Let yourself be challenged, decipher the iconography, and explore how the anticlerical bourgeoisie viewed the political and social issues of their time.
A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the humour, wit, and intellectual landscape of a Flemish provincial city in the heart of the nineteenth century.
Latest Events at The Belgian Museum of Freemasonry
Masonic Quest
A mysterious backpack found in the Museum…
The Belgian Museum of Freemasonry invites you to embark on a truly immersive experience: Masonic Quest, a thrilling escape game that takes place throughout the entire museum. Each puzzle you solve will bring you one step closer to uncovering the hidden treasure.
Succeed in your mission, and you’ll be rewarded with a photo alongside the treasure, an exclusive badge, and a certificate of investigation to commemorate your adventure.
Step into Masonic Quest, the captivating escape game at the Belgian Museum of Freemasonry! Dive into a world of intrigue, where mystery, symbols, and riddles intertwine. Follow in the footsteps of a historian who once hid a treasure deep within the museum’s walls. Work as a team, explore every corner, crack codes, and solve puzzles to discover what’s been concealed.
Book your spot now by emailing [email protected]
1h30 | 15€ pp | Recommended age 15+ | FR/NL/EN
Professional & Educational
Are you looking for a unique venue for your event, a private reception, a board meeting, a seminar with dinner, a team building or a place for your educational or creative project? The museum’s beautiful conservatory and its 18th-century architectural surroundings offer you a really unique place to host your guests, colleagues or students.
We can help and advise you with a range of possibilities.
Contact: [email protected]
Gifts, Donations & Loans
You can also support the museum! The Museum accepts gifts, donations or loans from Lodges or individuals.
Volunteering
Would you like to get personally involved? Whether it’s for a few hours as a receptionist or as a museum guide, we are happy to offer you suitable training. You can contribute to a warm welcome to our visitors.
Contact: [email protected]