Boniface Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug)
Boniface Bridge: A Romantic Gem in Bruges
Gruuthusemuseum: A Journey Through Bruges' History
Explore 500 years of Bruges' captivating history inside a medieval palace filled with art, tapestries, and historical artifacts.
Housed in the medieval Gruuthuse Palace, this museum showcases 500 years of Bruges' history through tapestries, furniture and art. Once home to the wealthy Gruuthuse family, the building itself is a masterpiece, reflecting the opulence of its former residents.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Gruuthusemuseum
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tuesday
9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday
9:30 am-5 pm
Friday
9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday
9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday
9:30 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Walking
The Gruuthusemuseum is located in the heart of Bruges, making it easily accessible on foot from most major attractions. From the Markt, walk southeast towards Breidelstraat, then turn left onto Dijver. The museum will be on your left, a pleasant 5-10 minute walk. Enjoy the scenic route along the canals.
Public Transport
If arriving by train at Bruges Station, take bus line 1 or 2 towards the city center. Get off at the 'O.L.V. Kerk' or 'Dijver' stop, which are both within a short walking distance of the museum. A single bus ticket costs €3.00 if purchased in advance or €3.50 if purchased from the bus driver. Alternatively, a day pass is available for €5.00 at kiosks or €7.00 on the bus.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Bruges Station and throughout the city center. A taxi ride from the train station to the Gruuthusemuseum will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. Taxi stands can be found at the Markt and outside the train station.
Parking
If driving, several parking garages are available near the Gruuthusemuseum, including Parking Katelijne (Katelijnestraat 63) and Parking Pandreitje. Parking Katelijne charges €2.20 per hour, with a maximum of €16.80 per 24 hours. From either parking location, follow signs to Dijver, where the museum is located. Note that traffic in the city center can be congested, and parking may be limited.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
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Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions or events.
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Combine your visit with a trip to the Church of Our Lady using a combi-ticket.
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Bring headphones to enjoy the free digital museum guide on the MB Explorer app.
Discover more about Gruuthusemuseum
The Gruuthusemuseum offers an immersive journey through three significant periods of Bruges' history: the Burgundian era, the 17th and 18th centuries, and the 19th-century neo-Gothic revival. The museum's collection comprises over 600 artifacts, each telling a unique story about the city's past.Visitors can admire majestic tapestries, Gothic stained-glass windows, elegant wooden sculptures, and historical lace. The museum also features paintings, porcelain, and a recreation of a 17th and 18th-century dinner table, complete with silver cutlery and Chinese porcelain. A highlight is the authentic oratory, built in the 1470s, which connects the palace to the Church of Our Lady. From this private chapel, the Gruuthuse family could attend church services.The Gruuthuse Palace itself has a rich history. In the 13th century, a wealthy family received the monopoly to levy taxes on 'gruit' (a herb mixture for beer) and built a storage structure. Jan IV van der Aa transformed it into a luxurious home in the early 15th century, and his son Louis de Gruuthuse expanded it further. In 1596, Philip II of Spain acquired the house and later gave it to Wenceslas Cobergher to house a charitable pawnshop. The city of Bruges purchased the building in 1875 and restored it in the neo-Gothic style.
A brief summary to Gruuthusemuseum
Use Gruuthusemuseum as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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