Freemasonry in the 18th century: An opportunity for social interaction

From 24 April 2026 to 24 April 2027, the Domaine du Château de Seneffe takes you on a tour of a rich and remarkable world that had a profound influence on Enlightenment Europe. The exhibition Freemasonry in the 18th century: An opportunity for social interaction puts aside all the mystique and misconceptions to reveal the Masonic lodges as places for social encounter, debate and intellectual exchange, where aristocrats, scholars, artists, churchmen and travellers rubbed shoulders.

The circulation of ideas in social spaces such as coffee houses, taverns and salons transformed contemporary society. Freemasonry was very much a part of this – open to the outside world, yet subtly discreet – and its impact on the individual’s place in the social sphere was revolutionary.

Wander through the neo-classical apartments on the château’s upper floor and discover Masonic artefacts as well as paintings, books, scientific instruments and other objects that bring alive an era of intellectual ferment: the Enlightenment. A timeline guides you through this story. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an aristocratic salon where ideas are discussed and connoisseurship abounds. Themes such as music, science, literature, outdoor games and nature illustrate this crucial moment in 18th-century social interaction that spread progressive ideas throughout the contemporary world.

In short, Freemasonry in the 18th Century offers you:

• a fascinating insight into a laboratory of ideas that shaped modernity,
• over 300 objects on display, nearly 50 Belgian and international institutions, Masonic lodges and private collectors;
• interactive and atmospheric displays;
• a museum experience narrated and explained by text panels;
• an 18th-century perspective on a little-known subject;
• a richly illustrated 150-page publication, on sale in the museum shop.
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Visual © Domaine de Seneffe asbl - Graphic design: European pictures - Photo: L. Artamonow