Tattoos: Indelible Stories
December 16, 2026 – October 3, 2027
Why do people get tattoos?
To remember, to protect themselves, to identify themselves, to assert who they are… or simply to enhance their bodies? Much more than a fashion trend, tattooing is a millennia-old practice that tells our story.
An exhibition about the history of tattooing
From prehistoric times to the present day, the exhibition invites you to discover the history of tattooing through different eras and cultures.
From the tattoos of Ötzi, the Iceman, more than 5,000 years old, to contemporary practices, the exhibition explores the many meanings of body marking. Ancient Egypt, Antiquity, Europe… all over the world, marks on the skin have carried meaning.
Tattoos: much more than a drawing
A tattoo can be a rite of passage, a symbol of protection, a mark of belonging or a way of asserting one’s identity. It can reflect social or marital status, celebrate a victory, accompany an important stage in life or express belonging to a group.
For a long time, tattooing in the West was associated with sailors, prisoners and marginalised communities. Yet tattooing has a much broader history. In many cultures, it is valued, celebrated and deeply integrated into society.
And you, what story would you tell on your skin?
Whether you are passionate about tattoos, have tattoos yourself or are simply curious, come and look at the marks we carry on our bodies from a different perspective.
Through the history of tattooing, discover a practice that is at once social, identity-related, spiritual, cultural and artistic. Because behind every motif, every mark and every scar, there may be a story.
An exhibition for everyone, to be discovered at Stavelot Abbey, on your own or with your family, as a group or with your class.