Welcome to BELL EXPO – MAFRA 2026: The World of Bells in One Place!
Get ready for an unforgettable experience! The BELL EXPO is the extraordinary exhibition that will transform the newly inaugurated temporary Open Space in the South Cloister of the Mafra National Palace into the epicenter of the fascinating universe of carillons and bells in general. Designed as a fair, each participating institution or project will have its own space to present and promote its work. More than just a display, this event is a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing, technological dissemination, and cultural enrichment.
Whether you’re a specialized congress member or a curious visitor, our goal is to showcase the very best in global bell foundries, carillon schools or other educational initiatives, and mobile carillons. Don’t forget to explore a vibrant fair space featuring sheet music, books, and CDs from national carillon associations and independent publishers. We’re thrilled to host participants from approximately 20 countries across 4 continents, promising a truly global experience.
Timed perfectly with the World Carillon Congress 2026 in Mafra, the BELL EXPO is set to deliver surprising activities that will delight everyone.
Together, we’ll boost interest in carillon bell founding, push the boundaries of new carillon construction and installation, and promote campanology to inspire the emergence of highly skilled campanologists.
Together, we can elevate the art of the carillon to unimaginable heights.
Come discover the world of bells, all in one remarkable place!
We’re ushering in a new era of collaboration and communion between those who cast bells and those who play them!
Ring the bell to see our invited exhibitors and the Bell Expo map
Welcome to the Municipal Gallery South Turret, located on the ground floor at the entrance to the Congress area. The gallery is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility and also houses the Tourist Office, providing detailed information about the municipality.
To mark the opening of the World Carillon Congress, we are delighted to present a new temporary exhibition on bells, which will be open to the general public and run until mid-2027.
The exhibition’s centerpiece is an in-depth look at the Carillons of the Mafra National Palace. This display uncovers the fascinating tale of triumph and tragedy behind the two 18th-century carillons. The spotlight is on the South Tower Carillon, widely regarded as one of the finest and largest historic carillons of its time. The exhibition also explores the palace’s liturgical bells, revealing the mystery of the “Bizarro Bell,”. Additionally, it delves into the two impressive clockwork mechanisms housed in the palace’s bell towers and provides insight into the intricate process of programming its musical drums.
Adding to the main display is a collection of historic Portuguese bells, generously lent from the reserves of the Braga Bell Foundry – Serafim Da Silva Jerónimo & Filhos.
A special highlight is a dedicated room titled “Beacons of Peace: The Network of War Monuments and Carillons of Peace“. This powerful section will spotlight the Network of War Memorial and Peace Carillons, offering a powerful symbol in response to the present prevailing global uncertainty and conflict. It will illustrate how these carillons and bells, raised as memorials and beacons of peace across the world over the last century, seeking to open hearts and foster a universal commitment to peace.