Gruuthuse Museum

A journey through the history of the city

The Lords of Gruuthuse were among the influential families of the city of Bruges. The family gained its status through the trade in herbal mixtures, which among other things played an important role in the art of brewing. The palace of the family was accordingly splendidly furnished. Among other things, it is worth paying attention to the magnificent carvings, magnificent windows, richly decorated columns and impressive woodwork.

The exhibition itself inspires with over 600 exhibits that can be admired in the halls. The exhibition focuses especially on the period from the 17th to the 19th century, so that the three most important epochs of the city are covered. But the 15th century also plays a role, because it was at this time that Louis of Bruges began to give the palace its special splendor. Louis of Bruges was not only a good businessman, but was also known in the city as a lover of art and culture, and was a proud patron of the arts who supported numerous artists.

The highlights of the exhibition

Visitors walking through the premises quickly notice how exhibits and architectural features outshine each other.

A very special stained glass window is the window with the motif of the Archangel Michael from the 15th century. Both this and the window of Michael were made for the late medieval guild chapel of stained glass artists and painters. The wooden statue "Reading Mary" by Adriaen Van Wesel, a historical tapestry, the portrait of Louis of Bruges and many other exhibits also delight visitors from all over the world, because the museum presents works of art in the most diverse forms, and it is precisely this diversity that makes a visit to the City Palace very entertaining.