Museum Mayer van den Bergh
A 19th-century collector's home showcasing medieval & Renaissance art, including Bruegel's 'Dulle Griet'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Museum Mayer van den Bergh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century collector's home showcasing medieval & Renaissance art, including Bruegel's 'Dulle Griet'.
"A great museum with beautiful rooms and a lot of awesome Renaissance and medieval art."
⏳ Renovation Closure Alert
Museum closes April 2025 for ~4 years. Check for temporary locations!
🎒 Free Lockers Available
Store your bags and belongings for free to explore comfortably.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dulle Griet (Mad Meg)
Fritz Mayer van den Bergh's most famous acquisition, a powerful depiction of hell and human folly.
Medieval Religious Art
A stunning collection of sculptures and paintings, with a special focus on Maria Lactans images.
Bruegel Masterpieces
Admire works by both Pieter Bruegel the Elder and his son, showcasing intricate detail and storytelling.
Planning Your Visit
Plan Ahead for Renovation
Immerse in a Collector's Home
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Renovation Closure Alert
Museum closes April 2025 for ~4 years. Check for temporary locations!
🎒 Free Lockers Available
Store your bags and belongings for free to explore comfortably.
📚 Museum Highlights Booklet
A serviceable booklet is included with your ticket to guide you.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Quests
Engaging treasure hunts, often themed with popular characters, are available.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Renovation Closure Alert
Museum closes April 2025 for ~4 years. Check for temporary locations!
🎒 Free Lockers Available
Store your bags and belongings for free to explore comfortably.
📚 Museum Highlights Booklet
A serviceable booklet is included with your ticket to guide you.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Quests
Engaging treasure hunts, often themed with popular characters, are available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum Mayer van den Bergh for its impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, particularly the Bruegel paintings and religious artifacts, all housed in an intimate, home-like setting. The museum is noted for its quiet atmosphere, allowing for peaceful contemplation of the art. However, the upcoming multi-year renovation means limited access to the main collection.
"An impressive collection of Dutch and Belgian art housed in the former family home of art collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh. Our visit was spontaneous, and we didn’t regret it at all. The museum offers a stunning display of paintings, statues, and stained glass, all presented in an intimate, home-like setting. There’s also a significant focus on religious art— Fritz had a particular fascination with Maria Lactans images 🤨. Imagine having the means to acquire such an extensive collection, and a mother so dedicated that she transformed it into a public museum after her son’s passing! Our experience was worthwhile the visit!"
Helen
"On 27th of April, the museum will close its doors for a 4 years long renovation. You still have time to see all the amazing works here. Not only Dulle Griet, but also Quinten Matsys, Jordaens, Breughel, a lot of medieval religious statues. It's definitely worth a visit!"
Andreea Stoica (#iloveantwerp)
"A great museum with beautiful rooms and a lot of awesome Renaissance and medieval art. The medieval art was spectacular and there are free lockers to store your bags and items in. I would highly recommend this museum to any lover of medieval art."
Francis Bernath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Lange Gasthuisstraat 19, 2000 Antwerp. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from the city center or use local trams.
Yes, Antwerp has an excellent public transport network. Several tram and bus lines stop near the museum, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
The train is the most efficient and popular way to travel between Antwerp and Ghent. The journey is relatively short, making day trips feasible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard admission is €10, with free entry for visitors under 18.
The museum will close its doors on April 27, 2025, for an extensive renovation and expansion project lasting approximately four years.
Yes, visitors under 18 years old receive free admission.
It's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on ticket purchasing options, especially considering the upcoming renovation.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in many museums. However, it's best to check for any specific signage or ask museum staff upon arrival, as policies can vary.
The intimate, home-like setting of the collector's house, along with the detailed medieval sculptures and Bruegel paintings, offer many visually rich opportunities for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities, but the surrounding area in Antwerp offers numerous cafes and restaurants. For family-friendly options, Da Giovanni is recommended nearby.
Da Giovanni, located at Jan Blomstraat 8, is a recommended child-friendly restaurant close to the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the museum is undergoing renovation, it's worth checking if any temporary exhibitions are being held nearby that cater to families. The nearby child-friendly restaurant, Da Giovanni, is also a convenient option for refueling after a visit.
🖼️ Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Even with the upcoming four-year renovation, the museum's legacy and the significance of its collection remain. Keep an eye out for any temporary exhibition spaces or future announcements regarding the reopening, as this is a must-visit for serious art lovers.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Ghent
Given the museum's upcoming closure for renovation, ensure you check its operational status and any temporary exhibition details before planning your visit. The train journey between Antwerp and Ghent is efficient, making this museum easily accessible for a focused cultural excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Collector's Vision: Fritz Mayer van den Bergh
His mother, Henriette Mayer van den Bergh, was deeply devoted to her son's legacy. After Fritz's untimely death, she dedicated herself to fulfilling his dream of creating a public museum. She purchased the adjacent city palace and transformed it into the Museum Mayer van den Bergh, ensuring that Fritz's meticulously curated collection would be accessible to the public for generations to come.
This personal connection between collector and curator is palpable within the museum. The intimate setting of the former family home allows visitors to experience the art as Fritz himself would have, surrounded by his cherished pieces. The upcoming renovation aims to further integrate the adjacent palace, expanding the museum's footprint and enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the essence of the original collection.
+1Navigating the Collection: Highlights and Hidden Gems
Visitors frequently praise the museum's focus on religious art, particularly the numerous 'Maria Lactans' images, reflecting Fritz Mayer van den Bergh's specific interests. The collection also features works by other notable Flemish artists such as Quinten Matsys and Jacob Jordaens, providing a comprehensive overview of the artistic output of the period.
For families, the museum often organizes engaging treasure hunts, sometimes featuring popular characters like Suske & Wiske, making art exploration fun and interactive for younger visitors.
+1 Even during the renovation period, temporary exhibitions like 'Publiekslievelingen' (Audience Favorites) have been held nearby, showcasing selected works chosen by art lovers. Future of the Museum: Renovation and Expansion
A key aspect of the renovation is the reintegration of the adjacent city palace, which previously housed the district hall. This space will once again become part of the museum, allowing visitors to begin their journey in the former residence of the Mayer van den Bergh family. The design emphasizes a seamless blend of old and new, creating a more cohesive and immersive visitor experience.
The expansion is designed to enhance the museum's capacity to display its extensive collection and host future exhibitions. While the museum is closed for construction, it's advisable to follow their official channels for updates on any temporary exhibition locations or reopening dates.
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