The collections

When it opened in 2000, the House of Giants did not have its own collections. The interpretation centre was organised around audiovisual shows that presented the different aspects of the phenomenon of giants. Some pieces were loaned by the City of Ath; others were donated by partner cities or other institutions.

Over time, the Giants’ House has developed a policy of expanding its collections in order to enrich the permanent exhibition and better understand the various themes related to popular culture.

As a result, the collection of posters dedicated to giants has grown. Lithographs have also been acquired. Private individuals sometimes donate souvenirs (photos, postcards).

A series of objects relating to the creation of giants, acquired by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, have also been deposited. French visual artist Stéphane Deleurence has also deposited numerous documents.

The Giants’ House exhibits and preserves works from various sources, reflecting the history, art and intangible heritage of Ath. It brings together the collections of the former Museum of History and Folklore, works preserved by the City of Ath, and those from the Public Social Action Centre, heir to the former Madeleine Hospital. Added to these are objects and documents from the Maison des Géants itself, deposits from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and works entrusted by several church councils.

These collections include paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, gold and silverware, ceramics, objects related to giants, posters, lithographs, photographs and various archives. Presented in an original museography, they highlight local history, artistic heritage and intangible heritage.