Gruuthusemuseum

Overview

The Gruuthusemuseum occupies a lavish 15th-century palace that once belonged to the lords of Gruuthuse, who held the monopoly on gruut — the herb mixture used to flavour beer before hops. After a €30 million renovation completed in 2019, the museum displays Bruges' applied and decorative arts across 15 rooms.

Highlights

• Private chapel bridge: A unique enclosed bridge connecting the palace directly to the Church of Our Lady.
• Tapestry hall: 16th-century Flemish tapestries, carved wooden mantels, and period furniture.
• Lace collection: One of Belgium's finest displays of handmade bobbin and needle lace.

History

Louis de Bruges, Lord of Gruuthuse, built the palace in the 1420s. During his exile from Burgundian politics, he hosted England's exiled King Edward IV in 1471. The building became a museum in 1901.

Visitor Tips

• Don't miss: The chapel bridge view into the Church of Our Lady — unique in Europe.
• Combined with Groeningemuseum: Just 50m apart; plan both in one morning.
• Duration: 1–1.25 hours.