11 must-see museums in Bruges

Which museum to visit in Bruges? Here are the best ones for you to discover during your stay!

Bruges is a splendid Belgian city and the capital of West Flanders. It lies in the north-west of Belgium. Renowned for its medieval cobbled streets and historic buildings, it is criss-crossed by numerous canals. These have earned it the nickname « Venice of the North ». The port city is also a major economic center for the country. Bruges is also a city of culture with many museums: what would you say to discovering them?

Our team has selected the most interesting for you. This city, brimming with prestigious tourist sites, has also had its historic center declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Don’t hesitate to come and fill up on cultural outings in Bruges, a charming city that knows how to delight its visitors. We look forward to seeing you there!

Classic museums not to be missed

Arentshuis

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Let’s start our selection with a very special museum in Bruges. This elegant manor house houses the works of artist Frank Brangwyn. The collections feature paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints, furniture and tapestries by this versatile virtuoso. Inspired by various international artistic movements of the early 20th century, the artist donated numerous works to the city of Bruges.

From now on, they’ll be on display in the Arents House. This opens onto the Arentshof, an inner courtyard with the feel of a small city park, overlooking the facades of the Gruuthusemuseum. We’ll introduce you to the Gruuthusemuseum in a few moments, we promise!

Gezellehuis (Gezelle House)

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The Gezellehuis is a literary museum dedicated to the work of priest-poet Guido Gezelle. It is located in a picturesque district of Bruges, in honor of this renowned Dutch-speaking linguist. The Gezellehuis presents a selection of manuscripts, photos and books, as well as objects by the master. The collections are organized around five themes: nature, religion, friendship, linguistics and ethnography, tradition and innovation.

The house itself is worth a visit: this beautiful 16th-century building was the birthplace of Gezelle, who spent his youth here. Its lovely shady garden is home to an organic vegetable garden, a veritable oasis of greenery and tranquility. You’re sure to love this museum in Bruges!

Groeningemuseum (Groeninge Museum)

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The Groeningemuseum is a museum in Bruges that displays pictorial works produced in Belgium over the last six centuries. This small country is home to some of the greatest names in painting, who have their say here. Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David, Joseph Odevaere, Joseph Ducq, René Magritte, Roger Raveel, Raoul De Keyser… Flemish primitives rub shoulders with neoclassical masters and major 20th-century surrealists.

You can admire monumental canvases by Jacob van Oost and creations by Flemish expressionists such as Permeke, De Smet and Brusselmans. The Groeningemuseum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions that attract art lovers from all over the world. A cultural address not to be missed in the flat country.

Gruuthusemuseum (Gruuthuse Museum)

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A promise made, a promise kept: welcome to the Gruuthusemuseum, just a stone’s throw from the Arentshuis. This fascinating cultural space traces half a millennium of Bruges’ history. Here you can admire splendid tapestries, stained-glass windows, wooden sculptures, lace, Burgundian manuscripts and Chinese porcelain. Each of these objects is part of the history of the city of Bruges. You’ll also have the chance to admire this history: this museum in Bruges has a balcony with an incredible view.

In particular, you’ll be able to see the superb bridge of the Musée de l’Église Notre-Dame. In fact, we recommend a visit to the latter: we’ll introduce you to it right away!

O.L.V.-kerk Museum (Church of Our Lady Museum)

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This museum in Bruges is definitely worth a visit. It may be a museum, but it’s above all a Gothic church with a spire reaching no less than 115.5 meters. It’s the second-highest brick tower in the world! Carefully restored, the building serves as a majestic showcase for a rich collection of art. The Virgin and Child, a marble sculpture by the great Michelangelo, is housed here. The church’s choir is also home to a massive triptych by Bernard van Orley that will impress you with its realism.

You can also admire numerous paintings and contemplate 13th-century painted burial vaults and elaborate mausoleums. All in all, a must-see address that you’ll enjoy inside and out.

Volkskundemuseum (Folklife Museum)

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The Volkskundemuseum sheds light on the daily lives of 19th-century Bruges residents. A veritable time machine, this « Museum of Folk Life » lets you step into an old schoolroom, discover a pharmacy, explore a tailor’s workshop, visit a confectioner’s or a grocer’s store. You’ll be able to see a host of antique objects: pipes, pilgrimage banners, old children’s games, chocolate molds…

What do you mean, chocolate? Well, what could be more natural: aren’t we in Belgium? What’s more, every first and third Thursday of the month, a confectioner comes to the museum. He’ll be perfuming the interior with pleasantly sweet and suave aromas… Yum!

Unusual museums to discover

The Choco Story Museum

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Let’s continue our visit with an address that’s sure to delight gourmets of all stripes. The Bruges Choco Story museum invites you to discover 4,000 years of chocolate history. You’ll learn all about the origins and evolution of this delicacy, which originated in Central America. The collections include over a thousand objects and fascinating historical pieces. In addition, the museum explains how chocolate is made and presents the different ingredients that go into it. The museum provides a welcome insight into the evolution of chocolate-making methods over the centuries.

The highlight of the show was a demonstration of chocolate-making from A to Z. All this, of course, accompanied by a gourmet tasting to delight visitors’ palates. How about you?

The beer museum

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Of course, Belgium is THE country of this age-old fermented beverage. The Beer Museum is an institution among Bruges’ museums. It explains how beer is brewed, and by the end of your visit, you’ll know all about it. The brewing process is brilliantly explained, and you can learn all about the history of this sparkling beverage. An added bonus: there’s also a special tour for young visitors to keep the kids entertained.

While the kids are having fun, you can visit the bar. It serves no fewer than 16 different draught beers: in moderation, of course… Gluten-free beers, non-alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic beers are also available. You can also spoil your loved ones in the adjoining boutique. Cheers!

The French Fry Museum

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The world’s only French Fry Museum is located in the city of Bruges. It reveals the origins of the potato fry, as well as a host of juicy anecdotes about this tasty recipe. Did you know, for example, that potatoes originated in… Peru? The entire second floor is devoted to the history of French fries, from the Andes to the flatlands.

This cultural space is sure to excite aficionados of potatoes cooked in beef fat. Yes, that’s how they prepare them in Belgium, and believe us, it’s much better! To see for yourself, head to the building’s medieval cellars. You’ll be able to enjoy crispy French fries… bon appétit! While you’re feasting, take a look at the building that houses this museum in Bruges. Known as the « Saaihalle », it’s one of the most beautiful in the city.

Historium

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The Historium takes visitors on an interactive journey back to the « Golden Age » of Bruges. The museum consists of seven thematic rooms featuring films, photographs and objects. This must-see tourist attraction offers the chance to follow the apprentice of Jan van Eyck, a naturalist painter from Liège. Further on, you’ll take an impressive virtual flight to contemplate medieval architecture, then climb the Historium Tower for a 360° view of the city.

The Historium is a unique and surprising venue offering a wide range of entertaining activities. Much more than a museum in Bruges, it’s now the city’s most visited attraction. Find out why!

Salvador Dali Museum

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Right next to Bruges’ famous belfry, in the former Halles aux Fabrics, you’ll find the great Salvador Dalí. Not in person, of course: the Museum-Gallery Xpo Salvador Dalí is an art gallery featuring various works by the Catalan painter. Sculptures, watercolors, drawings and lithographs testify to the breadth of his talent. The decor reflects the work of this eccentric artist: pink, gold and mirrors are the order of the day.

We recommend you take advantage of the audioguide, available at the entrance, to make sure you don’t miss out on any of this… inevitably surrealist exhibition. This Bruges museum also has a small store selling authentic lithographs with guarantee certificates. Ideal, then, for (indulging) yourself and bringing back lovely souvenirs of your stay!