Volkskundemuseum (Museum of Folk Life)

These renovated 17th century, single room dwellings accommodate, amongst other things, a classroom, a millinery, a pharmacy, a confectionery shop and a grocery shop. The upper floor is used for temporary exhibitions. You can relax in the museum inn, ‘De Zwarte Kat’ (The Black Cat) or in the garden, where you can try out traditional folk and children’s games on the terrace.

On the top floor, you can experience firsthand what it was like to be a child in the 1930s-1960s with the interactive exhibition 'Children of the past, seniors of today'. Do not forget to bring your (grand) children and tell them the stories of your own childhood. Every first and third Thursday of the month, the sweet-maker fills the museum with his deliciously sweet aromas. During the demonstrations (from 2 pm to 4.30 pm) you can see how sweets were produced in the past. With some luck you will meet Aristide, the living black cat and mascot of the museum.

Collection

The collection consists of objects that were part of daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. All rooms contain a wealth of old objects in authentic decors. In addition, the museum has a fine collection of tobacco products, artistically carved pipe bowls, pilgrimage vistas, old children's games, cake and chocolate molds, that all form part of our past.

Museum

Travel back in time and find out what life was like for the ordinary citizen of Bruges 100 years ago. All kinds of objects in authentic scenes illustrate the trades, religious traditions, and folk customs at the end of the 19th/start of the 20th centuries. Weather permitting, old folk games are revived on the terrace. In the winter there is time for more nostalgia and an authentic (Christmas) atmosphere. A visit to the museum is always enjoyable, especially the indoor garden.

History

When the West-Flemish Folklore Association and Bruges-born Guillaume Michiels donated their enormous collections to the City, the idea of a Folklore Museum was born. Eight 17th century small rental houses of the former 'schoenmakersrente' (shoemaker’s guild) on Balstraat, an inn, and a number of houses on Rolweg provided the perfect setting.