en

The Flemish primitives

During Bruges’ Golden Age, the 15th century, the fine arts prevailed. In the wake of the prestigious Burgundian dynasty, the great Flemish Primitives made a name for themselves. The world-renowned works of Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and those of other prominent Flemish Masters can be admired at the Groeninge Museum, St John’s Hospital, St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady.  Michelangelo’s world famous ‘Madonna and Child’ can also be found in the Church of Our Lady. 

  • Sint-Salvatorskathedraal (Saint Saviour's Cathedral)
    today: 10:00 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:30
    Bruges’ oldest parish church (12th–15th century) has amongst its treasures a rood loft with an organ, medieval tombs, Brussels tapestries and a rich collection of Flemish paintings (14th-18th century).
  • Sint-Janshospitaal (St John’s Hospital)
    today: closed
    Saint John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, dating back to the mid 12th century.
  • Historium Bruges
    today: 11:00 - 18:00
    Go back in time and experience the bustling city of Bruges in the Golden Age in various ways. Hear the exciting tale of Jan van Eyck's apprentice in the Historium Story, featuring film, decors and special effects.
  • Groeningemuseum (Groeninge Museum)
    today: 09:30 - 17:00
    The Groeninge Museum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, with the top-class paintings by the world-renowned Flemish primitives as a highlight.
  • Sint-Jakobskerk (St James’s Church)
    today: 13:00 - 17:00

    The Dukes of Burgundy and the vast majority of foreign merchants patronised this church. 

  • Gruuthusemuseum (Gruuthuse Museum)
    today: 09:30 - 17:00
    In the museum you can journey through three crucial periods in the history of Bruges.
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