Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum, Bruges - a bicycle parked in front of a brick building with flowers in the basket
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Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum Bruges

4.4
·224 reviews·Brugge, Belgium

A historic Bruges gem featuring a stunning Gothic church with Baroque decor, a medieval hospital turned museum, and unique art installations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum, Bruges - a bicycle parked in front of a brick building with flowers in the basket

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum Bruges

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Bruges gem featuring a stunning Gothic church with Baroque decor, a medieval hospital turned museum, and unique art installations.

4.4
(224 reviews)

"Gorgeous church with a little museum attached, definitely recommend strolling along the canal to get to this church."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Canal Stroll to Church

Enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk along the canals to reach the church; it's a beautiful journey!

🎟️ Museum Card Savings

Consider the Musea Brugge Card if visiting multiple museums; it can pay for itself.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Church Interior

Gothic Church Interior

Church of Our Lady of the Potterie

A stunning Gothic church with a richly decorated Baroque interior, offering a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Medieval Trestle Table

Medieval Trestle Table

Museum Collection

Marvel at one of the last surviving medieval trestle tables, a testament to historical craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Artistic Interventions

Artistic Interventions

Museum Galleries

Experience site-specific art installations, like Laura Splan's lace sculptures, that engage with the museum's history and themes.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While Bruges is charming year-round, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) to avoid peak summer crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Check for special exhibitions or events that might impact crowd levels or require advance booking.

Museum Card Value

If you plan to visit multiple museums in Bruges, the Musea Brugge Card can offer significant savings. Research its validity and included attractions to see if it aligns with your itinerary. Advance booking for specific time slots, especially for the Belfry, is often recommended.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the only medieval trestle tables still in existence... Can't even understand how they did this in the first place #antiquedealer #museum #potteriemuseum #bruges #antiques #antiquefurniture #belgium #belgiumtiktok #fyp
@the_print_room
29.1K likes • 236.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Canal Stroll to Church

Enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk along the canals to reach the church; it's a beautiful journey! Reddit

🎟️ Museum Card Savings

Consider the Musea Brugge Card if visiting multiple museums; it can pay for itself. Reddit

My #lace #virus "#Doilies" series (2004) is currently installed in a site-specific intervention commissioned for the 2021 Bruges Triennial and is located at the Museum of Our Lady of the Potterie whose hospital, established in the 13 c., once served plague victims. The Potterie houses a still functioning Gothic church with Baroque interior and a museum collection that includes tapestries depicting...
laurasplan
708 likes • 0 views
Getting the lay of the land in beautiful #Bruges for installation of my work for the @triennalebrugge at Our Lady of the Potterie, a former medieval hospital that also houses a Baroque chapel. My site-specific installation “Disentanglement” includes lace sculptures depicting viruses and a new animation made with molecular visualization software and models of the coronavirus. Stay tuned... MORE IN...
laurasplan
483 likes • 0 views

🖼️ Art Installation Views

Check for current art installations, like Laura Splan's, which add a unique contemporary layer to the historic site. Instagram+1

🕰️ Check Opening Hours

Verify opening times, especially for the museum, as they can vary. Reddit

OPENING TOMORROW: @triennalebrugge at @museabrugge's Potterie Museum LINK IN PROFILE first 📷 2021 © Triënnale Brugge - Matthias Desmet Laura Splan: Disentanglement The Potterie Museum, Bruges, BE Bruges Triennial: TraumA May 8–Sep 26 Curators: Till-Holger Borchert, Santiago De Waele, Michel Dewilde, Els Wuyts Disentanglement is a site-specific installation commissioned for the Bruges Triennial a...
laurasplan
457 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Canal Stroll to Church

Enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk along the canals to reach the church; it's a beautiful journey! Reddit

🎟️ Museum Card Savings

Consider the Musea Brugge Card if visiting multiple museums; it can pay for itself. Reddit

🖼️ Art Installation Views

Check for current art installations, like Laura Splan's, which add a unique contemporary layer to the historic site. Instagram+1

🕰️ Check Opening Hours

Verify opening times, especially for the museum, as they can vary. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(224 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the beautiful and dedicated nature of the church and its attached museum, highlighting the stunning religious art and well-preserved historical items. The scenic canal-side walk to reach the location is also frequently mentioned as a positive aspect. However, some find the entry fee a bit steep for the size of the collection, suggesting it might be more worthwhile if included in a museum pass.

"Beautiful and dedicated.
The museum next door is really worth a visit too with a stunning collection of art."

shaun carroll

"A small church a bit further away from the city center of Brugge. It is about 20 min walk along the canals. You can visit the museum next to it too. It is not that big, but the collection is interesting."

Emilia Stammler

"Gorgeous church with a little museum attached.
There's so many stunning items of religious art packed into this unassuming building. The church itself is also heavily decorated and absolutely gorgeous. Definitely recommend strolling along the canal to get to this church, it's really worth it!"

Bianca W

What People Like

Beautiful church interior
Interesting historical collection
Scenic canal walk

What People Dislike

Entry fee perceived as high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located a bit further from the city center, about a 20-minute walk along the picturesque canals. It's a pleasant stroll that offers lovely views of Bruges. Reddit

While walking is recommended for the scenic route, local buses do serve the area around the museum. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes from your accommodation.

Parking in Bruges can be challenging and expensive. It's generally advisable to use public transport or park at one of the city's main parking garages and walk or take a bus to the museum.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is around 7 euros, though some visitors feel it might be a bit high for the size of the collection. Reddit

Typically, there is an entry fee for the museum portion. The church itself is often free to enter, but it's best to confirm on-site or via the official Musea Brugge website.

Yes, the Musea Brugge Card is often valid for entry to the museum, offering potential savings if you plan to visit other city museums. Reddit

For the museum, advance booking is generally not required unless there's a special exhibition. However, for other popular Bruges attractions like the Belfry, reservations are highly recommended. Reddit

Check the Musea Brugge website for potential discounts for students, seniors, or group rates. The Musea Brugge Card itself is a form of discount for multiple visits.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum houses a collection of religious art, historical artifacts, and notable items like a medieval trestle table. The adjacent church is also a significant attraction with its Baroque interior. TikTok

The church is generally open to visitors and is known for its stunning Baroque decor. It's a beautiful space for quiet contemplation. Reddit

The museum has hosted site-specific art interventions, such as Laura Splan's 'Disentanglement' for the Bruges Triennial, which blended contemporary art with the historical context. Instagram+2

A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the art and history, and whether you take time to appreciate the church's architecture.

While the collection is historically and artistically significant, younger children might find it less engaging than more interactive museums. The beautiful church architecture might appeal to some.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in many areas, but it's always best to check for signage or ask staff to confirm. TikTok

The richly decorated Baroque interior of the church, the medieval trestle table, and any contemporary art installations offer unique photographic subjects. The exterior and surrounding canals are also picturesque. Instagram

While personal use photography is usually allowed, commercial use or extensive social media filming might require permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and the sanctity of the church.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum offers historical insights, it might be less engaging for very young children compared to more interactive attractions. The beautiful church interior with its ornate decorations could capture the attention of older children, and the medieval trestle table offers a tangible link to the past. Consider it as a quieter, more reflective stop on your Bruges itinerary. The scenic walk along the canals to reach the museum is also a pleasant activity for families. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by medieval history and religious art, this museum is a must-visit. The former hospital setting provides a unique context, and the collection, including the rare medieval trestle table, offers a deep dive into Bruges' past. The Baroque embellishments within the Gothic church also present a rich historical and artistic study. TikTok

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

Beyond its historical collection, the museum's embrace of contemporary art installations, like those by Laura Splan, makes it a point of interest for art lovers. These interventions offer a modern perspective on the site's history and themes, creating a compelling juxtaposition of old and new. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Potterie

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie (Our Lady of the Potterie) is more than just a museum; it's a historical complex with roots stretching back to the 13th century. Originally established as a hospital to care for the sick and poor, it embodies centuries of charitable work and community service in Bruges. The site includes a Gothic church that was later adorned with a lavish Baroque interior, creating a striking contrast and a visually rich experience for visitors. The museum collection itself reflects this history, featuring religious art, historical artifacts, and items that speak to the daily life and craftsmanship of past eras. InstagramReddit

One of the standout pieces within the collection is a remarkably preserved medieval trestle table. This piece is a rare survivor, offering a tangible connection to the furniture and dining practices of the Middle Ages. Its presence underscores the museum's commitment to showcasing significant historical objects. Beyond the artifacts, the museum has also become a venue for contemporary art, with artists like Laura Splan creating site-specific installations that engage with the site's history of healing and its architectural features. TikTokInstagram+1

Visiting the Potterie offers a dual experience: appreciating the historical architecture and religious art within the church, and exploring the curated collection in the adjacent museum. The walk along the canals to reach the site is also frequently highlighted as a pleasant part of the overall visit, adding to the charm of discovering this less-central Bruges gem. Reddit

Artistic Dialogue: Contemporary Interventions

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum has embraced contemporary art by hosting site-specific installations, most notably by artist Laura Splan. Her work, such as the 'Disentanglement' series, has been commissioned for events like the Bruges Triennial. These interventions often explore themes related to health, biology, and societal anxieties, creating a dialogue between the historical context of the former hospital and modern concerns. Instagram+2

Splan's installations have featured intricate lace sculptures that visually represent viruses and molecular animations, responding to the museum's history of care and the broader theme of 'TraumA' in medicine. This approach transforms the museum into a dynamic space where historical narratives are reinterpreted through a contemporary artistic lens. Visitors have the opportunity to see how art can engage with and comment on the very fabric of a historical site. Instagram+2

These artistic interventions add a unique layer to the visitor experience, offering a fresh perspective on the museum's collection and its historical significance. They demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to museum curation, blending the old with the new and inviting visitors to consider the connections between past and present. Instagram

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