Van Eyck's workshop
The room joining art, story and the golden age.
Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Delisle, Guillaume (1675-1726). Cartographe — Public domain · Delisle, Guillaume (1675-1726). Cartographe — Public domain · Delisle, Guillaume (1675-1726). Cartographe — Public domain
The Historium is an immersive experience on the Markt that returns you to Bruges in 1435 at its golden age: you follow a fictional story of a boy in Jan van Eyck's workshop through seven rooms of cinematic sets, films and sound-and-scent effects — the harbour, the market, the workshop, a tavern of the era — so you grasp how Europe's richest city looked, felt and smelled at its peak. A historical section with screens and objects complements it, and a virtual-reality experience (extra) flies you over fifteenth-century Bruges. Best of all for many: its tower with a view over the Markt and the Belfry (separate or combined ticket), and the "Duvelorium" terrace with a seat on the square — note that it is a beer café, so anyone avoiding alcohol will want the tower view alone. Designed for families and the general visitor more than the historian — a light, enjoyable entry to understanding Bruges before wandering it, and a good refuge in rain. Right on the Markt.
The room joining art, story and the golden age.
Virtual reality above medieval Bruges.
A free seat on the square for experience visitors.
Markt 1, 8000 Bruges
Historic Centre of BrugesThe historic centre of Bruges is the most complete surviving medieval city in no1 minute walk4.7
Markt (Market Square)The Markt is Bruges' great square and its beating heart since the tenth century:1 minute walk4.6
Belfry of BrugesThe Belfry is Bruges' symbol and first landmark: a thirteenth-century medieval t1 minute walk4.6
Burg SquareThe Burg is Bruges' second and oldest square: here the Count of Flanders built h2 minutes walk4.8
Basilica of the Holy BloodThe Basilica of the Holy Blood is two churches one above the other in a corner o2 minutes walk4.7For families and the visitor wanting to grasp Bruges lightly before wandering: yes, an enjoyable hour and a good entry, especially in rain. For the historian and lover of authenticity: no — the real museums (Groeninge, Sint-Jan) deserve the money more, and Bruges itself is the museum. The tower, as a modest extra, is an easier alternative to climbing the Belfry.