Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum Bruges
A historic Bruges gem featuring a stunning Gothic church with Baroque decor, a medieval hospital turned museum, and unique art installations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie Museum Bruges
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

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.
"Gorgeous church with a little museum attached, definitely recommend strolling along the canal to get to this church."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Artistic Interventions
Museum Galleries
Experience site-specific art installations, like Laura Splan's lace sculptures, that engage with the museum's history and themes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Museum Card Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
🖼️ Art Installation Views
Check for current art installations, like Laura Splan's, which add a unique contemporary layer to the historic site.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
Verify opening times, especially for the museum, as they can vary.
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!
🎟️ Museum Card Savings
Consider the Musea Brugge Card if visiting multiple museums; it can pay for itself.
🖼️ Art Installation Views
Check for current art installations, like Laura Splan's, which add a unique contemporary layer to the historic site.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
Verify opening times, especially for the museum, as they can vary.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The church is generally open to visitors and is known for its stunning Baroque decor. It's a beautiful space for quiet contemplation.
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.
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.
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.
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
🏛️ History Buffs
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Potterie
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.
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.
Artistic Dialogue: Contemporary Interventions
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.
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.
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