The Cultural Essence of Bruges
If you are planning to skip across the pond to Europe, you mustn’t miss the small town of Bruges, Belgium. While most people head to Belgium in search of fries and waffles, Bruges has a lot more to offer than standard fare. This town is all about museums of every shape and kind.
Though nobody has ever stopped to ponder why Bruges’ streets are lined with museum after museum, it just so happens to be the truth. If you are one of those tourists that doesn’t care for a bit of history, this town is picturesque enough to entertain even if you do not step inside a museum.
For those that love history, however, Bruges is a slice of heaven on earth. Within the historic section of the city you will find the Groeninge Museum; Gruuthuse Museum; Memling Museum; Renaissance Hall; Archeological Museum, Folklore Museum; and many more captivating glimpses into the past.
Let’s begin with the Folklore Museum since it is very popular with visitors. This museum is home to the 17th century almshouses that still belong to the Bruges cobblers’ corporation. You will find ancient classrooms, a cobbler’s studio, a Flemish home, and an ancient confectioner’s shop.
Love art with a local twist? The Groeninge Museum is the place to visit. It is a fine arts gallery packed with works from well known local artists. They include people such as Jan Van Eyck, Memling, and Gerard David.
Like a little kick in your adult beverage? How about spicy beer? If so, the place to go is the Gruuthuse Museum. It was a family owned spice beer brewery that was legendary in the medieval period. It will give you an entirely new perspective on the idea of BYOB.
Art is an odd world. Hans Memling is considered a great Flemish painter and has his own museum, the Memling. The odd thing? He was Germany. Still, his works are amazing and definitely worth a viewing, which makes the museum carrying his name a must see.
Personally, I prefer to walk through history. If you feel the same, the Renaissance Hall is worth a visit. It takes you back to daily life in 16th century Bruges. This was the period of the Renaissance, so it is an interesting experience.
To say Europe has a long history is a minor understatement. The same goes for Bruges and the Archeological Museum is the place to experience it. It is interesting to walk around a city with the modern conveniences and then attend a museum showing the area without them.
The beauty of Bruges, Belgium is multi-faceted. Museums are definitely high on the list of things to see, but it is a friendly city worth just strolling around in and definitely worth a visit on your travels.
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