The Gruuthuse Museum

The Gruuthuse Museum—perhaps the most important museum in Bruges—was closed for renovations until 2019. Before that, visitors could only admire it from the outside, but, lucky for you, its doors are open once more, so you can discover its many treasures. Long before it became a museum, this grand building was tucked away in an inner courtyard, serving as the lavish palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse. The most famous among them was Louis of Bruges. The family made its fortune through a monopoly on “gruut,” a blend of herbs used in brewing beer before hops became widespread. Thanks to that wealth, Louis transformed the home into a true masterpiece of 15th-century elegance and power. In 1876, the city of Bruges purchased the property and turned it into the seat of its archaeological archives. Over time, it played an important role in preserving Belgium’s national heritage—a fitting foundation for what would become the Gruuthuse Museum in 1955. Step inside, and you’ll find an extraordinary collection: from intricate tapestries and delicate lace to illuminated manuscripts, colourful stained glass, fine porcelain, and carved wooden sculptures. This cultural gem brings together a rich collection of works allowing visitors to trace the story of Bruges from the 15th to the 19th century. Just know that you need to pay to enter! Expect to see everything from ornate silver and rare lace to Burgundian manuscripts… and even a real 18th-century guillotine. In short, it’s everything that makes Bruges, Bruges.