Gruuthuse Museum
The Gruuthuse Museum is housed in the fifteenth-century town palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse, one of the most powerful families in medieval Bruges. The name refers to the right to levy gruut, a herb mixture used in the brewing of beer. Following an extensive renovation, the museum reopened in 2019 with a completely renewed presentation. The collection tells the story of daily life in Bruges through the centuries, featuring a rich assortment of tapestries, lace, silverware, ceramics, furniture and paintings. A remarkable highlight is the oratory that offers a direct view into the interior of the adjacent Church of Our Lady.
Thanks to the 2019 renovation, the Gruuthuse Museum offers excellent wheelchair accessibility. A lift connects all floors and the passages are wide and step-free throughout. The entrance is level and adapted toilets are available. Companions of visitors with a disability receive free admission. The museum features clear signposting and rest areas distributed along the route, making the visit comfortable for everyone.
The Gruuthuse Museum is located in the historic heart of Bruges, between the Church of Our Lady and the Groeningemuseum. PMR parking spaces are available in nearby car parks such as the 't Zand garage. From Bruges railway station, the museum can be reached via a flat route through the city centre. A visit can ideally be combined with the neighbouring Sint-Janshospitaal and Groeningemuseum for a full museum day in Bruges.
Good to know
- Reservation
- Tickets can be bought online or at the desk; companions of people with a disability get free admission on presentation of a European parking card or European Disability Card.
- Busy and quiet times
- In July and August and at weekends the museum is busy; early morning or late afternoon is quieter for taking in the restored rooms.
- Things to note
- The 2019 renovation made the museum step-free and lift-accessible; the surrounding streets in the centre of Bruges are however partly cobbled.
- Visit tip
- Park in the 't Zand garage with accessible-parking spaces and combine your visit with the nearby Sint-Janshospitaal and the Groeningemuseum for a full museum day.