Gruuthusemuseum

Bruges


The museum takes its name from the flower-and-herb mixture (gruut) that used to flavour beer before the cultivation of hops. The romantic heraldic entrance in a courtyard of ivy-covered walls and dreaming spires is arguably more interesting than the rambling, somewhat unsatisfying decorative-arts exhibits within. The unusual view from the upstairs oratory window into the treasury-apse of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is worth a look. The museum is closed for major renovations; it's scheduled to reopen in August 2019.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bruges attractions

1. Arentshuis

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2. St-Bonifaciusbrug

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Stand atop the 20th-century stone Bonifacius bridge, itself amply photogenic, for lovely vistas of the canal and surrounds.

3. Hof Arents

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Behind the Arentshuis, Hof Arents is a charming little park with a hump-backed pedestrian bridge, St-Bonifaciusbrug, that crosses the canal, offering…

4. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

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Dominating its surrounds, this 13th-century church was reopened in 2015 after extensive renovations. Its enormous 115m spire is unmissable throughout much…

5. Groeningemuseum

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Bruges’ most celebrated art gallery boasts an astonishingly rich collection that's strong in superb Flemish Primitive and Renaissance works, depicting the…

6. Museum Sint-Janshospitaal

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7. St-Salvatorskathedraal

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