Cloth Hall: A Symbol of Ypres's Resilience

4.6 (1308)

Explore Ypres's iconic Cloth Hall: a medieval marvel reborn, housing the poignant In Flanders Fields Museum and offering panoramic city views.

Home
Belgium
Bruges
Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall in Ypres, Belgium, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a testament to the city's rich history and resilience. Originally built in the 13th century as a marketplace for the flourishing cloth industry, it was meticulously reconstructed after being devastated in World War I. Today, it houses the In Flanders Fields Museum, a poignant reminder of the war's impact.

A brief summary to Cloth Hall

Grote Markt 34, Ypres, Arrondissement of Ypres, 8900, BE
Click to display
Click to display

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

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience.
Check the schedule for special exhibitions or events that may be taking place during your visit.
Don't miss the opportunity to climb the belfry for breathtaking views of Ypres and its surroundings.
Plan your visit to coincide with the evening Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate for a poignant reminder of history.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

In Flanders Fields Museum

In Flanders Fields Museum: A Journey Through History

Research Centre In Flanders Fields

Explore the Legacy at the Research Centre In Flanders Fields

Yper Museum

Discover the Yper Museum: A Journey Through History

Getting There

Walking

If you are near the Ypres Market Square (Grote Markt), you are very close to the Cloth Hall. From the square, head towards the large building with a distinctive belfry. The Cloth Hall is situated directly on the Grote Markt at 34, Ieper. Simply walk straight ahead towards the building, and you will arrive at your destination in just a few minutes.
Public Transport

If arriving by train at Ypres Railway Station, take bus number 3 or 4 towards Ieper Centrum. Get off at the 'Grote Markt' stop. From the bus stop, walk straight ahead towards the large square where you will see the Cloth Hall. It's a short walk from the bus stop to the Cloth Hall, located at Grote Markt 34. A single bus fare within Ieper city boundaries costs €3.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Ypres, but it's advisable to book in advance. From Ypres Railway Station, a taxi to the Cloth Hall would be a short trip. Taxi fares in Ypres start at €4.90, with a cost of €1.90 per kilometer. A short trip from the station to the Cloth Hall would likely cost around €11.

Discover more about Cloth Hall

Dominating the Grote Markt (Great Market Square) in Ypres, the Cloth Hall, or Lakenhallen, stands as an iconic symbol of the city. Its origins trace back to the early 13th century, serving as the epicenter of the region's prosperous cloth trade. The original structure was erected between 1200 and 1304, showcasing a homogeneous Gothic style. The belfry, reaching a height of 70 meters, was started in 1200, while the market hall was started in 1230. During the Middle Ages, Ypres was renowned for its high-quality woolen cloth, exported across Europe. The Cloth Hall facilitated this trade, with the ground floor serving as a bustling marketplace and the upper floors used for storage. The imposing belfry symbolized communal autonomy and served as a watchtower, treasury, armory, and even a prison. World War I brought immense destruction, leaving the Cloth Hall in ruins. However, the city's spirit remained unbroken, and a meticulous reconstruction took place between 1933 and 1967, led by architects J. Coomans and P. A. Pauwels. Today, the rebuilt Cloth Hall stands as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the past. The spacious ground-floor halls now host exhibitions and tourist information, while the second floor houses the In Flanders Fields Museum, dedicated to the history of World War I. Visitors can explore exhibits, personal stories, and interactive displays detailing the war's impact. The belfry offers panoramic views of Ypres and its surroundings. The Nieuwerck, a Renaissance-style annex, contrasts with the Gothic architecture of the main building and serves as the town hall.