Historium Bruges

Historium Bruges is an experience attraction that transports you back to Bruges in the 15th century, a period when the city was flourishing as a centre of trade, art and culture. In Historium Story, you follow Jacob and Anna: Jacob is an apprentice serving the painter Jan van Eyck. One day in 1435 he is tasked with collecting Anna from the port district. She will sit as a model for Mary in Van Eyck's painting ‘Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele’. Film, sets, special effects and an audio guide bring their story to life in seven themed rooms.

The Water Halls in Bruges
Among the eye-catchers in Historium Story are the Water Halls, a construction that stood on the east side of the Market Square until the late 18th century. The Market Square, close to the port, has served as the city’s commercial and economic hub since the 12th century. In the imposing City Halls, at the foot of the Belfry (13th-15th century), goods were stored and traded. When the City Halls became too small, the New Halls were erected at the end of the 13th century. The gigantic building was conceived as a roof spanning the Kraanrei canal and for this reason soon became known as the Water Halls. The hall served as a maritime station where ships loaded and unloaded their goods, the attic served as storage space and all kinds of sales stalls could be found alongside the square.

After the decline of trade in Bruges and the silting up of the port, the Water Halls gradually fell into disuse and were eventually demolished. Where the Water Halls once stood, you will now find Historium Bruges, Provincial Palace and the former post office building (now the home of Bruges Beer Experience, among others). The Kraanrei river still flows under the Market Square! In Historium Bruges the lost Water Halls are brought back to life in different ways, including an innovative augmented reality model of the building.

Exhibited in the Historium
After Historium Story you automatically end up in the Historium Exhibition, where you learn move about Medieval Bruges. You will also find two special paintings from the collection belonging to Musea Brugge:

• ‘The Market Square in Bruges’ by Jan-Baptist Van Meunincxhove. The painting shows how the Market Square, and Water Halls looked in the 17th century. Van Meunincxhove was a leading painter who captured the magnificent details of the market square on canvas. 
• the ‘Demolition of the Water Halls’ by an anonymous master. For various reasons the Water Halls were abandoned. This painting shows their demolition between 1787 and 1789.

• Historium Virtual Reality. This experience immerses you entirely in the 15th century. You find yourself aboard a ship that is approaching the port of Bruges via ’t Zwin. Ultimately, you sail into the Water Halls along the Kraanrei river. 
• Historium Tower. Climb this neo-Gothic 35-metre tower and enjoy a 360° view across the city. 
• map by Marcus Gheeraerts. On the courtyard of Historium there is a large reproduction of the map by Marcus Gheeraerts. This map from 1562 is undoubtedly the most important historical map of Bruges and, even today, remains an essential source of information for historians. The Water Halls are displayed on the map. The 10 original copper plates used to print the map can be seen in the Gruuthuse Museum.

• the Groeninge Museum. This museum offers a diverse overview of the history of Belgian visual arts, showcasing masterpieces by the world-famous Flemish primitives, including ‘Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele’ by Jan van Eyck, the painting that is at the centre of the story in Historium Story.
• Hof Arents During construction in the early 20th century of the building, which now accommodates Historium, two columns of the Water Halls were found. They are the only last physical remainders. You can see the columns in the pleasant city park Hof Arents.
• the City Hall on Burg Square. On the ground floor, you will find the painting ‘Burg Square in Bruges’ by Jan-Baptist Van Meunincxhove. On the upper floor, the interactive presentation ‘Bruges and the sea’ illustrates the importance of the sea in Bruges' prosperity.