Location: Bruges
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What to do and see in Bruges, Flanders: The Best Art Museums
What could be more romantic and inspiring than a place that looks like a backdrop for a fairy tale? The medieval overtones of Bruges’ cobblestone streets lead to countless historical, architectural and artistic wonders. Marvel at ornate houses lining intricate canals, and understand why this is a favorite destination for all types of travelers. The whole city emanates an appreciation of the past, a love of the present, and enthusiasm for the future. Don’t miss Hof Bladelin, Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady, and Belfry and Market Halls.
Restaurants in Bruges
1. 3D Museum Brugge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Minimum Age 16 years - Explicit Content - Parental Advisory - With just water and gypsum, artists from around the world, create the masterpaintings of Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Jheronimus Bosch in relief. 22 tons of gypsum displays 700 sqm of sculptures, transformed in 60 days by 40 artists from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Ukrain, Poland, USA and Australia. Unique in the world, mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records 2020.
Reviewed By M2057XOkateh - Bognor Regis, United Kingdom
A truly original way of looking at art. This museum takes artworks makes them 3D and then explains them via a brilliant audio commentary. Adults only, not suitable for under 12's, totally excellent.
2. Groeningemuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,641 reviews
The Groeninge Museum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, with as highlight the world-renowned Flemish primitives. In this museum you can see, amongst other masterpieces, The Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling. You will also marvel at the top 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, masterpieces of Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art.
Reviewed By Aimee_Norfolk - Norwich, United Kingdom
We spent hours in here staring at beautiful medieval Flemish art, and we could have stayed longer. Luckily the museum provides folding stools which you can help yourself to and take with you around the museum, so you can stare at the paintings in full comfort. The audio guide is also a must, and it's included in the ticket price. As well as the famous Flemish primitives such as Memling and Van Eyck (which I found mesmerising), there is artwork from many centuries right up to expressionists and cubists. Large bags and rucksacks have to be left in the cloakroom at the entrance, although lockers are provided for free.
3. Gruuthusemuseum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 152 reviews
Temporary closed until Autumn '18
Reviewed By Aimee_Norfolk - Norwich, United Kingdom
Really interesting museum in a beautiful medieval house, which really is an attraction in its own right. The museum covers social history in Bruges from the middle ages to the 19th century, with displays including manuscripts, paintings, costumes and other artefacts. The audio guide is included in the ticket price and available in several languages, and the displays have information in English, French and Dutch. The museum is huge though, covering sever floors, so be prepared to dedicate several hours to see everything properly!
4. Sint-Janshospitaal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,324 reviews
Sint-Janshospitaal owns six masterpieces by the Flemish primitive artist Hans Memling, as well as many religious paintings and sculptures. Objects of applied art, such as furniture, silverwork, medical instruments, reliquaries, archive documents, and apothecary pots reflect 800 years of care. Sint-Janshospitaal is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. In the museum, you can learn more about hospital life in the past and how the wards would have looked then. Furniture, paintings, sculptures, silverware, and pewterware are the silent witnesses of the care for bodies and souls that took place in this hospital through the centuries. The building’s supporting framework is also unique and is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. The old apothecary’s and herb garden is also well worth a visit. In the hospital chapel, the focus is all on the work of the most famous of the Flemish Primitives: Hans Memling. This painter lived and worked in Bruges in the 15th century and created his most important masterpieces here, including the famous Shrine of St Ursula, which was painted specifically for Sint-Janshospitaal.
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
Visited Sint-Janshospitaal, also known as St. John's Hospital, & discovered it is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. It actually looks a bit like a church & it functioned as a hospital from the 12th-19th centuries. Many nuns & monks worked here to help the sick with various medical instruments & modern techniques of the time. You can view these artifacts in the hospital's museum. This museum is located in the hospital's old infirmary & features ancient furniture, silverware, & medical instruments you can view. You can also look at a few paintings by Hans Memling such as the Shrine of St. Ursula. After visiting the museum, you can also look go to its herb garden & the Diksmuide attic.
5. Site Oud Sint-Jan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By annafromlondon - London, United Kingdom
Having walked past Oud Sint- Jan several times, I decided to investigate and was so pleased to learn that the newly reopened Expo Centre was showing a selection of Picasso's work. The building and grounds are lovely. Had it not been such a cold day, we'd have liked to sit in the charming garden for a while! The Expo Centre is so well aid out; one can follow the layout, walk from room to room and admire the paintings/ drawings without having to rush , or feeling hemmed in by too many visitors. The Picasso exhibition was excellent; well worth the entrance fee. We were especially pleased as the centre has only just reopened after renovations; wouldn't like to have missed this exhibition. I'd recommend the centre for art and/or architecture lovers.
6. Arentshuis
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 116 reviews
On the upper floor of this elegant city mansion with its picturesque garden (16th to 19th century) the oeuvre of the versatile British artist Frank Brangwyn (1867-1956) is on display on the top floor. Brangwyn was both a graphic artist and a painter, as well as a designer of carpets, furniture and ceramics. The ground floor is the setting for temporary plastic art exhibitions.
Reviewed By Borderer12
The upstairs of this town house is dedicated to Frank Brangwyn who gifted a generous bequest to the city of his birth. Totally absorbing. The downstairs hosted a fascinating temporary exhibition about theatre in Bruges.
