If there is one thing Bruges does well, it’s culture. The best way to soak in the culture of a new place or the events that shaped it is to take a walk through its past. Museums in Bruges are not what you’d expect; there aren’t many dusty relics or paintings on blank walls here. Instead, the city tells its story in a more unusual way, showing us the products, religion, events and artefacts that made the city so fascinating in interesting spaces. There is a museum for all interests in Bruges from religious artefacts and art to chocolate and beer, two Belgian staples. Explore the best museums in Bruges from the comfort of Green Park Hotel. Book a stay on our website to enjoy our best available rates, guaranteed.
Groeningemuseum
Arguably one of our most traditional museums, Groeningemuseum contains six centuries of Belgian visual arts in one location. Situated in the Groeninge district, Groeningemuseum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian art. Its focal point, and the exhibition most visited, are paintings by world-renowned Flemish primitives such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David to name a few. You can also see more modern visual art by René Magritte, Roger Raveel, and Raoul De Keyser. The building itself is marvellous, set on the former site of the Eekhoutabdij (Eekhout Abbey). It was designed by architect Joseph Viérin and has been modernised and improved in the past 20 years. A visit costs €15 per adult and various prices for teens and children. A visit is a definite for the Bruges bucket list.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
While technically not a museum in the traditional sense, the Basilica of the Holy Blood holds one of the most treasured religious artefacts in Bruges. This Roman Catholic Church houses a relic of the Holy Blood supposedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders. The phial containing Christ’s blood was delivered to Bruges from the Crusades in the 12th century. Aside from the main attraction, you can admire some of the most beautiful religious art in the country, artefacts of historical significance and marvel at the beauty of the building and its stunning stained-glass windows. Entry to the Basilica is free and entry to the Museum is just €5.
The Torture Museum
If you’re more interested in gore, horror and social history than art and religion, take a trip to the Torture Museum. This unique attraction depicts the history of one of the darkest parts of humanity. See for yourself a collection of over 100 torture & execution instruments from history in one of Europe’s oldest former prisons. Lifelike wax figures are posed with authentic instruments of torture, showing us some of the most bizarre and unusual methods of punishment from days gone by. As you can imagine, this museum is not suitable for children or those with a weak stomach as the displays are gory. It takes about 45-minutes to get through and costs €9.00.
The Chocolate Museum
Belgian chocolate is one of the biggest exports of our country and is well known as the finest in the world. Choco-Story, also known as the Chocolate Museum is located in the 16th-century Huis de Crone building on Sint-Jansplein. It tells the story of chocolate production from its humble beginnings to the multi-million euro export it is today. You can explore the museum and then take a chocolate walk, past twelve of the most important chocolate-related sites in the city, including a selection of shops so you can take something delicious home.
Museum of Folk Life
Take a unique glimpse into how we used to live in the Volkskundemuseum (Folk Museum) in Bruges. Formerly worker’s houses, these buildings have been renovated to be more accessible and are designed to teach us more about daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is packed with items used daily by former inhabitants including tools, toys and books. You will visit a classroom, tailor’s workshop, pharmacy, confectionary and grocery store and get the chance to play some traditional games. The museum is suitable for families and costs €8 per adult to enter.
Book your stay in Green Park Hotel and start planning a culturally enriched trip to Bruges that you won’t forget. Enjoy our best available rates guaranteed when you book directly on our website or with one of our team.
