When Paganini Meets Ysaÿe: The Devils’ Violins
When Paganini Meets Ysaÿe: The Devils’ Violins
The international exhibition When Paganini Meets Ysaÿe: The Devils’ Violins, on display at the Grand Curtius from 16 October 2026 to 7 March 2027, traces the extraordinary legacy of Niccolò Paganini (1782 Genoa – 1840 Nice) and his influence at the heart of the Liège School of Violin. Through autograph manuscripts, historical instruments, scores, previously unpublished archives and exceptional memorabilia, it reveals how the genius of the Genoese master profoundly influenced several generations of musicians from Liège and across Europe.
The exhibition
The exhibition brings together remarkable items on loan from Italian and Belgian public and private collections. These include Niccolò Paganini’s personal guitar, autograph manuscripts of major significance, and valuable artefacts relating to his work as a composer, virtuoso and teacher. These prestigious items offer a close-up view of the historical reality of an artist who has become a legend. From Paganini to his only recognised pupil, Camillo Sivori; from Henry Vieuxtemps to Eugène Ysaÿe; and from François Prume to César Thomson, an artistic lineage emerges, with Liège as one of its most brilliant centres of influence.
It also features a rare collection of fourteen historic bows from the 18th and 19th centuries. Made by masters such as Pierre Tourte, François-Xavier Tourte, Léonard Tourte, John Dodd, Louis-Simon Pajeot, François-Jude Gaulard and Nicolas-Joseph Harmand, these masterpieces illustrate the innovations that made the emergence of modern virtuosity possible and continue the dialogue between the instrument, the performer and musical creation.
The presence of historical and contemporary instruments – drawn in particular from the Liège International String Quartet Competition, the Cordoneum – School and Museum of Stringed Instrument Making, the Grétry Museum and private collections – further highlights the essential role of stringed instrument making in the history of European music.
Organised at the Grand Curtius, under the auspices of the City of Liège – a UNESCO Creative City of Music and a member of the European Paganini Route network, part of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes – this exhibition reaffirms Liège’s place amongst Europe’s leading centres of musical culture. Combining virtuosity, tradition and innovation, this event highlights one of the most fascinating chapters in European musical history. It invites visitors on a unique journey to the heart of Europe’s violin tradition, from Genoa to Liège, from Paganini to Ysaÿe.
Patrick Dheur, Exhibition Curator
Partners
An exhibition organised in collaboration with numerous partners who, through the loan of works and their support, have made this cultural project a reality.
Programme
A programme of concerts, guided tours, events and accompanying activities for all ages, from children to adults, is on offer throughout the exhibition.
Practical Information
- Exhibition: When Paganini Meets Ysaÿe: The Devils’ Violins
- From 16 October 2026 to 7 March 2027
- Monday to Sunday, 10.00–18.00 – closed on Tuesdays and on 1 November, 2 November, 25 December, 1 January and 1 May.
- Grand Curtius Museum – Féronstrée, 136 – 4000 Liège
- Admission prices: coming soon online
Image copyright: City of Liège – Grand Curtius