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Museum Mayer van den Bergh: A Collector's Passion

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Explore a world-class collection of Flemish and Dutch art at the intimate Museum Mayer van den Bergh, now showcasing 'Beloved' at the Maagdenhuis.

The Museum Mayer van den Bergh in Antwerp showcases the remarkable art collection of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh (1858-1901), a passionate art collector and connoisseur of Flemish and Dutch art from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Housed in a neo-Gothic building erected by his mother, Henriëtte, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into the world of a dedicated collector and his enduring legacy.

A brief summary to Museum Mayer van den Bergh

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • While the main museum is under renovation, visit the 'Beloved' exhibition at the Maagdenhuis to see highlights like 'Mad Meg'.
  • Check the museum's website for the latest information on opening hours, ticket prices, and any special events or exhibitions.
  • Consider purchasing an Antwerp City Pass for free access to the museum and other attractions in the city.
  • Download the audio tour to your smartphone in advance for a more immersive experience.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Antwerp's city center to discover other historical and cultural gems.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Maagdenhuis, where the 'Beloved' exhibition is currently housed, is located in the heart of Antwerp and is easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Grote Markt, walk south along the Meir shopping street, then turn left onto Lange Gasthuisstraat. The Maagdenhuis will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Maagdenhuis is well-served by public transport. From Antwerp Central Station, take tram line 9 or 11 to the Meir Metro station. From there, it's a short walk along Lange Gasthuisstraat to the Maagdenhuis. A single tram fare is approximately €3. Alternatively, take bus line 13 from Rubenslei to Nationale Bank, which is also close to the Maagdenhuis; this also costs approximately €3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Antwerp. A taxi ride from Antwerp Central Station to the Maagdenhuis typically costs between €8 and €14, depending on traffic and the specific service. From the Grote Markt, a taxi would cost approximately €11-€14. Note that taxi fares in Antwerp start at €5.00, plus €2.40 per kilometer.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the 'P-route' towards the city center and park in one of the nearby car parks, such as Oudaen, Arenberg, or Horta. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-€3 per hour. Be aware that central Antwerp is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), so check your vehicle's registration before entering.

Discover more about Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Step into the world of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh at this captivating museum in Antwerp. Born into a wealthy family, Fritz dedicated his life to collecting art from the 14th to 17th centuries, amassing around 3,000 works with a focus on the Gothic and Renaissance periods. His keen eye and passion for Flemish old masters led him to assemble an extraordinary collection, which includes paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and tapestries. The museum itself is a tribute to Fritz's vision, established in 1904 by his mother, Henriëtte, after his untimely death. She built the neo-Gothic building in Antwerp's banking district to house his expansive collection, creating a space that reflects the grandeur of a 16th-century mansion. The atmospheric interior, with its period furnishings and delicate art treasures, evokes the feeling of an opulent yet intimate home. Among the museum's highlights is Pieter Bruegel the Elder's masterpiece, 'Mad Meg' (Dulle Griet), a world-renowned painting that showcases Bruegel's unique style and vision. The collection also features works by Flemish Primitives and Antwerp Mannerists, including paintings by Cornelis de Vos, Quentin Massijs, and others. In addition to paintings, the museum boasts a diverse collection of sculptures, illuminated manuscripts like the Breviarium Mayer van den Bergh, and historical artifacts. Currently (July 2025), the museum building is undergoing a major restoration and expansion, with reopening scheduled for 2029. However, a significant portion of the collection, including 'Mad Meg,' is on display at the nearby Maagdenhuis (Lange Gasthuisstraat 33, 2000 Antwerp) in the 'Beloved' exhibition.

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