30/05/2019 - 03/11/2019

Five Centuries of Cultural History Undressed

Aalst and the municipality of Moorsel, Water Castle, Saint Martin’s Church and Saint Gudula Chapel

Lace can have an old-fashioned reputation at times, but in 2019 the Chancellery of The Phoebus Foundation brought this centuries-old luxury textile very much to life. The Phoebus Foundation collaborated with the City of Aalst, the Jan De Nul and Van de Velde companies and with Willy Michiels and Jozef Dauwe to organize a sensual and piquant exhibition devoted to lace.

Lace is More! offered a historical survey of lace production from the sixteenth century to the present, while also surprising visitors with contemporary lace artworks. A selection of masterpieces from the old master collection combined with textile fragments, contemporary art and haute couture told the unique story of this home-grown Flemish luxury product. Lace is inextricably linked with the history of Flanders. Nowhere in the world do these precious family heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation, have such a unique character as here.

Lace is More! exceeded all expectations, drawing more than 80,000 visitors in the course of five months. Lace has never been so vibrant.

Relive the exhibition!