History museums in Bruges

The Bruges ‘stadshallen’ and Belfry are protected monuments and recognized as world heritage. On the top floor, visitors can enjoy a view over Bruges and its surroundings. In addition, the clock mechanism of the carillon with 47 bells can be viewed. The treasury can also be visited where in the past

The Museum of the Holy Blood tells the story of the relic of the Holy Blood that Count Thierry of Alsace is said to have brought with him from the Holy Land (1150). Showpiece of the museum is the reliquary of the Holy Blood, made by the Bruges goldsmith Jan Crabbe (1617), with thirty kilos of gold a

The Town Hall of Bruges is one of the oldest town halls in the Low Countries that was completed in 1421. It served as a model for many other town halls. The Gothic room was created in its present form between 1895 and 1905 after a fire in 1887. Construction components also serve as decoration: medal

Bourgogne des Flandres is a unique Belgian beer that is brewed in the heart of Bruges, in the province of West Flanders. This beer has a rich history and is known for its distinctive taste. The Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery, where the beer is brewed, is located in the historic center of Bruges, making it a significant part of the city's heritage.

The Liberty of Bruges is a country house from 1726 to 1795 where the seat of the government of the ‘Brugse Vrije’ was. It was built on the place where the second residence of the Count was situated. Since the late 18th century to 1984, the court was housed here. Now the City Archives have found a ho

The Church of Our Lady is a Gothic church from the 13th to 15th century. The collection of treasures includes twelve apostle sculptures that support the pillars, paintings by Jacques-Louis David, Bernard van Orley, Adriaan Isenbrandt, Pieter Pourbus and Gaspar de Crayer and the rococo pulpit with sy

In the Volkskundemuseum (Museum of Folk Life) you learn about ordinary daily life in Bruges in the 19th and early 20th centuries. You enter an old classroom, an old pharmacy, a tailor’s workshop, a confectionery store, or grocery store. Time seems to have stood still in these restored labourer's dwe

The Museum of St. Salvator's Cathedral is housed in the 1912 neo-Gothic chapter house. The museum displays objects from St. Salvator's Church, the demolished St. Donaas Church and the monasteries abolished in the French era. Visitors walk through some 13 centuries of art history, from early Romanesq

One of Europe's oldest preserved hospital buildings with masterpieces by the Flemish primitive Hans Memling and surprising contemporary artworks by artists such as Berlinde De Bruyckere and Patricia Piccinini. The Museum St John’s Hospital extends a warm welcome to all of its visitors. Step inside

The Our Lady of the Pottery Museum is housed in a historic hospital complex from the 13th century. The museum collection includes paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, stained glass, a silver collection, monastic and religious relics and healthcare items. The Gothic church with its baroque i

Sint-Janshuismolen (Sint-Janshuis Mill) is the only one of the four windmills on the city ramparts where grain is still actually ground. The millers are only too happy to welcome you with secrets about this age-old craft. If the wind is favourable, you can even see the mechanism in operation. Moreov

The most important work of art within St. Gillis Church is the Polyptych of Hemelsdale by Pieter Pourbus, featuring scenes from the life of Jesus. There are also paintings on display by Jan Garemijn and Jacob Van Oost, among others.

The city palace of the lords of Gruuthuse is now an absolute highlight after a thorough restoration. The gables look magnificent. Renovated halls, a new museum concept, and special collection items are just waiting to be rediscovered. Gruuthusemuseum takes you to three crucial periods in the rich hi

Travel back in time in Bruges. Experience in various ways how lively Bruges was during the Golden Age. Start your visit with an impressive virtual flight along the medieval architecture in the Historium Virtual Reality. Continue your time travel in the Historium Story. Follow the fascinating story o