Musée du Doudou

Musée du Doudou is a museum in Mons, Belgium, dedicated entirely to the Ducasse de Mons — the city's annual folk festival, inscribed in 2005 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The museum sits in the Jardin du Mayeur, right by the historic centre, and opened its doors in the first half of 2015.

What is the Ducasse, and why does it need its own museum?

The Ducasse de Mons is a centuries-old tradition combining a religious procession honouring Saint Waudru with a dramatic re-enactment of Saint George slaying the dragon, performed on the town's main square. For the people of Mons the event carries the weight of a local national holiday — which is why the city decided to create a permanent institution that tells its story to visitors year-round, not only during the few days of the actual celebration.

What's inside

The exhibition takes visitors along the footsteps of Saint George and the dragon, pairing original objects from the Mons municipal museum collections with large-format screens and interactive displays. Among the pieces on show are items tied directly to the ritual combat itself: the gilded lance used in the fight, the dragon's "teeth" traditionally handed out to the crowd as lucky charms, the medallions worn during the procession, and the seal of Saint Waudru, the city's patron saint.

The museum's narrative deliberately avoids a single point of view — the Ducasse is presented in parallel as a historical, religious, anthropological and artistic phenomenon. This lets visitors trace how the ritual's meaning has shifted over the centuries, from a medieval procession of supplication to today's spectacle drawing thousands of participants and onlookers alike.

Who is it for

The museum appeals both to anyone curious about the history and folklore of Wallonia and to families with children — the interactive format and oversized screens make the legend of Saint George and the dragon engaging for younger visitors too. It's also a natural stop for anyone who happens to be in Mons around the Ducasse itself and wants a deeper understanding of the spectacle they've just watched.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ducasse de Mons? It's the city's annual festival combining a religious procession honouring Saint Waudru with the re-enactment of Saint George fighting the dragon on the main square; it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2005.

Where exactly is the museum located? In the Jardin du Mayeur, in the centre of Mons, close to the old town's main landmarks.

When did Musée du Doudou open? The museum opened in the first half of 2015.

What are the standout objects on display? The gilded lance used in the ritual fight, the dragon's "teeth," the procession medallions, and the seal of Saint Waudru.

Is it worth visiting outside the actual Ducasse dates? Yes — the exhibition is designed to convey the history and meaning of the festival year-round, independent of the actual celebration dates, through its collection and multimedia displays.

What are the opening hours? Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00; shortened hours of 10:00–16:00 on 24 and 31 December; closed on 25 December and 1 January.