Crowning the Sky: An exhibition exploring a little-known Renaissance art at the Château d'Écouen

The Château d'Écouen turns its attention to the art of roof decoration, with the exhibition Couronner le ciel on view from 18 September 2026 to 11 January 2027.

This form of art is not as widespread nowadays. Look up and you might still spot a few examples, especially on the roofs of churches and cathedrals. In the Renaissance, however, it was common to adorn the rooftops of houses and other buildings with a variety of objects and sculptures. The Château d'Écouen - National Museum of the Renaissance is hosting an exhibition exploring this distinctive decorative art.

From September 18, 2026 to January 11, 2027, visitors can discover the exhibition Couronner le ciel at the Château d'Écouen. This exhibition reveals the full richness of historic roof decorations in France, drawing on archaeological finds, period objects, paintings, and drawings.

In 2023, the Château d'Écouen benefits from renovation work: on this occasion, unexpected decorative elements are uncovered—ridge finials. These elements are ornaments designed specifically for roofs, and they often resemble arrows, animals, or stylized flowers. The exhibition Couronner le ciel reveals to the public these newly restored discoveries.

A section of the exhibition route centers on the château d'Écouen's ridge crests. 19th‑century warrior figures, Renaissance vases and child-like figures: these ornaments, in their own way, recount the castle's history and the centuries it has witnessed.

The exhibition then turns its attention to roof decorations in their full scope. Weather vanes, vases, banners, sirens, birds, flowers, children, soldiers, musicians, or monstrous creatures... crafted in lead or ceramic, bright or not: there used to be a thousand ways to adorn a roof. But beware, it wasn’t a matter of slapping any old ornament on your house!

Decorative objects could be very varied. Each craftsman had his own specialties, his style, and his catalogue of adornments. These objects can be as whimsical as they are realistic, and many are laden with symbols. On the roofs of churches, the decorations often relate to religion and its values.

The Renaissance Museum highlights the craft and know-how of the artisans and architects. Ridge finials can be highly detailed sculptures, designed to fit the roof and endure outdoor conditions. Depending on budgets, craftsmen could employ a range of techniques and materials. These were truly works of art that adorned the buildings of the past.

Lovers of History and architecture, take advantage of this exhibition on a novel subject. And look up on your next stroll: you might just spot one of these roof decorations...