“Treasures of wood and velvet. Secrets of Renaissance furniture”

During the Renaissance, castles and the art of living were reinvented, as was furniture, a reflection of this period of artistic and intellectual effervescence. An invitation to discover the refined world of kings and queens, “Treasures of wood and velvet. Secrets of Renaissance” draws on the château's rich collections, reconstructions, models and entertaining displays to offer young and old alike a new thematic look at the château, as close as possible to life during the Renaissance.

With wood species and textile samples to touch, furniture and decorative elements brought out of storage, and much more, discover all the secrets behind the making of these Renaissance masterpieces. From the royal apartments to the General Estates Room, the exhibition explores the new uses of Renaissance furniture, with new pieces such as the caquetoire and the dresser, as well as their stylistic evolution and the conditions in which they were made.

Guided tours and demonstrations are available to coincide with the exhibition - only in French:

• Guided tours (subject to availability)

- Guided tour of the exhibition: every Sunday from 25 May to 21 September at 5pm (1h15)
Additional charge: + €5 per adult | no additional charge for children | booking required on 02 54 90 33 33

- "Secrets de réserves" guided tour: Wednesdays 16 and 23 July, and 6, 13 and 20 August at 5pm (1h15)
The château houses a collection of over 350 pieces of furniture, only some of which are on display in the flats. This exhibition is an opportunity to highlight Renaissance furniture, but also to discover masterpieces from other periods that have come to Blois over the years, often thanks to the efforts of private individuals who wanted their collections to become part of everyone's heritage. In our furniture storerooms, we'll show you what the castle has to offer...
Additional charge: +€7 per adult | +€4 per young person (aged 10 and over) | reservation required on 02 54 90 33 33

Booking required : 0033 (0)2 54 90 33 33 (or on site, subject to availability).
The reservations and information service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.15pm (excluding public holidays).

• Demonstrations (free access in the General Estates Room)

This summer, two restorers are coming to the Château to demonstrate their remarkable skills. Through their expertise, they'll show you how much of our heritage is alive and well, and how important it is to pass on these techniques.

- 8 and 9 July: antique furniture restorer Julien Hébras (Atelier Lemaire, 37), who is used to working in some of the finest châteaux in the Loire Valley, will be sharing his trade and techniques with you.
- On 16 and 30 July, 13 and 27 August, and 20 and 21 September 2025: contemporary tapestry designer Tiphaine Audoin (41) invites you to take part in demonstrations of weaving on high-wire looms. This Licière artist, who trained at the Manufacture des Gobelins, will also be presenting weaving tools, skeins of wool and natural pigments.

• Children's play area (free access in the General Estates Room, for children aged 5 and over)

Every afternoon from 12 July to 23 August (3pm to 5pm), children can take part in creative games based on the theme of furniture. This family area is supervised by an activity leader.

• Meubles au château" project

The "Meubles au château" project enabled almost 80 citizens of Blois of all ages to discover the world of Renaissance furniture. Accompanied by six local organisations - neighbourhood centres, associations and the Agglopolys Art School - the participants explored the castle's collections during guided tours, before creating their own artistic interpretations of the furniture. Their works, offering a contemporary take on the Renaissance style, will be on display in the General Estates Room during the 2025 European Heritage Days.

September 20 and 21 in the General Estates Room

Exhibition organised with the support of