The Gruuthuse house and museum is situated behind
the Our Lady's church. This impressive city mansion belonged to
one of the richest families of the medieval city. It has now been
transformed into a splendid museum.
The name already explains why the
Gruuthuse family was so important. The old Flemish word 'gruut'
means : peeled barley or wheat. This was the main ingredient for
beer-brewing in the Middle Ages. The lords of Bruges had the
monopoly for the sale of this very important product. Because of
their monopoly position they became very wealthy and powerful and
they soon became known as the 'lords of Gruuthuse' (huse= house).
The most famous member of this
family is Lodewijk van Gruuthuse (= Louis of
Gruuthuse), diplomat and art lover. His equestrian statue can be
seen above the lower front facade of the Gruuthuse palace. Under
the statue is his personal motto 'Plus est en Vous' (= there is
more in you. The motto is in French, the language of European
medieval nobility). This part was built during the lifetime of
Lodewijk, namely in 1465. In 1628 the former palace of Gruuthuse
became a pawn shop. After a complete renovation (partially in
neo-gothic style) in 1883 to 1898 the entire house became the
archeological city museum 'Gruuthusemuseum' with a very large
collection of works of art from different domains (lace,
tapestries, paintings, furniture, etc...)
The prayer chapel gave the Lords
of Gruuthuse direct access to the Church of Our Lady and now
offers an excellent view of the tomb of Mary of Burgundy.
GRUUTHUSE MUSEUM
Dijver 17
8000 Brugge
Open: every day from 9.30 until 17.00. | Closed on Mondays (except
Easter & Whit Monday)
Prices: € 6,00 / € 5,00 (audioguide and ticket
Bruggemuseum-Onthaalkerk O.L.V. included) | Children under 6
years and Bruges residents: free | Youth 6-25 years: € 1
|
