Folly Beyond Words Tour

With the exhibition Folly Beyond Words, discover how artists have been transforming proverbs, expressions and figurative language into striking visual imagery for centuries. What we now recognise from cartoons, memes and popular culture was already a rich source of inspiration for artists in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

During this guided tour, you will explore how artists such as Bruegel, Rubens, Rembrandt and Jan Steen brought figurative language to life. Step into a fascinating world of enigmatic scenes, sharp observations and hidden meanings. From proverbs still in use today to surprising visual traditions from our own region and from non-European countries such as Iran, China and Japan, this exhibition reveals just how universal the power of imagery and metaphor can be.

Humour, satire and recognisable human situations go hand in hand with deeper reflections on society and everyday life. Behind the humour lie themes that remain relevant today, including social inequality, education, power, human folly and the fragility of life. Folly Beyond Words offers not only a glimpse into the past, but also a mirror in which we can recognise ourselves.

• The Folly Beyond Words Tour is avalaible from 27 February 2027 to 6 June 2027.
• The guided tour lasts 1.5 hours.
• Our guides speak Dutch, French or English. Other languages (Spanish, Italian, Russian, Arabic, German, etc.) are available upon request.
• Thanks to the tour guide system, everyone can hear the guide clearly.

Please read the following conditions before making a booking:

• A guided tour costs €95. In addition, a ticket must be purchased for each participant.
• A guided tour is recommended for groups of 1 to 15 visitors.
• A maximum of one group is allowed at any one time, every 15 minutes.
• Payment is made online at the time of booking. This order is final and cannot be modified.
• Please note: the ticket types you select cannot be changed afterwards. No refunds will be given for incorrect bookings. Please only book once you are certain of the number of participants and their ticket types.
• You will receive a single group ticket for your booking, not individual tickets for each participant.