Oudenaarde Town Hall & MOU
Discover a stunning silverware collection and impressive tapestries within a beautiful historic Town Hall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Oudenaarde Town Hall & MOU
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a stunning silverware collection and impressive tapestries within a beautiful historic Town Hall.
"Stunning collection of silverware, on the level that it should be in a national museum."
🗣️ Prepare for Dutch
Most exhibits are in Dutch. English audio is minimal. Manage expectations!
💰 Check Ticket Value
Some find it pricey for the offering. Consider if it's worth it for you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Silver Collection
Upper Floors
A stunning array of silverware, comparable to national museum standards, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
Tapestry Hall
Main Exhibition Area
Admire the impressive collection of tapestries, a significant part of the museum's historical display.
Architectural Gem
The Building Itself
The Town Hall is a beautiful building, worth appreciating for its own architectural merit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Language Barrier Alert
Value for Money Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Prepare for Dutch
Most exhibits are in Dutch. English audio is minimal. Manage expectations!
💰 Check Ticket Value
Some find it pricey for the offering. Consider if it's worth it for you.
🚶♀️ Quick Visit Possible
Can be seen in about 30 minutes if you're efficient.
🏛️ Admire the Building
The Town Hall itself is a beautiful structure to appreciate.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Prepare for Dutch
Most exhibits are in Dutch. English audio is minimal. Manage expectations!
💰 Check Ticket Value
Some find it pricey for the offering. Consider if it's worth it for you.
🚶♀️ Quick Visit Possible
Can be seen in about 30 minutes if you're efficient.
🏛️ Admire the Building
The Town Hall itself is a beautiful structure to appreciate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oudenaarde Town Hall boasts a stunning silverware collection and impressive tapestries within a beautiful building. However, a significant drawback for international visitors is the limited English information, with most displays and audio guides being in Dutch, leading some to feel it's not worth the entrance fee.
"Stunning collection of silverware, on the level that it should be in a national museum. Yet, you can find it here."
J.P. Simons
"The building itself lOoks amazing. For buying the tickets you won't have to wait as its not busy at all. Ladies who work there, are really nice. There are four floors to visit which keeps some souvenirs from Oudenaarde and other cities arOund the world. The carpets are really nice as well as the taxidermist part. There is washroom and a place to hang your coat or sweaters. Its clean indeed and worth visiting. Im just giving four stars because the price is a bit expensive for what they offer. Thank you team Museum Oudenaarde 😇"
Hanna
"Complete waste of time and money unless you speak dutch. We were in the area as my husband wanted to visit the cycling museum across the way. Thought that this museum would be interesting for my daughter and I to visit. We were told that there was an audio in english which there was, but it turned out that there were only two audio recordings - one that said basically "these are the tapestries" and a few lines about the room and the other that said "this is the silver collection, donated from a private collection " No explanation of the individual tapestries or siver pieces. The information boards were only in dutch and the film on the ground floor only in dutch. A complete waste of time for tourists from other countries. A very poor show for an area that markets itself as a tourist destination"
Maria H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oudenaarde Town Hall is centrally located. If you're arriving by train, it's a short walk from Oudenaarde station. For those following the Tour of Flanders route, Oudenaarde is a key finish location, so public transport options might be available during the event, though it can get very crowded.
There are parking facilities in Oudenaarde, but they can fill up, especially during major events like the Tour of Flanders. It's advisable to check local parking information in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is around 6 euros, though prices can vary. Some visitors have noted it might be a bit expensive for what's offered.
Generally, you don't need to book tickets in advance as it's not usually busy. You can purchase them upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a stunning silverware collection, tapestries, city plans, and some works by Adriaen Brouwer. There are also souvenirs from Oudenaarde and other cities.
There is a very limited English audio guide available, but it only offers a few basic recordings about the tapestries and silver collection, with no in-depth explanations.
Unfortunately, most of the information boards are only in Dutch, making it difficult for non-Dutch speakers to understand the exhibits fully.
While there are interesting items like tapestries and silverware, the lack of English information might make it less engaging for children unless they have a specific interest.
Most visitors can see the entire museum in about 30 minutes, especially if they are not able to read the Dutch descriptions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Oudenaarde has several cafes and restaurants near the Town Hall, offering local Belgian cuisine. You can find options for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on taking photos inside the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children have a particular interest in historical artifacts or art, it could still be a worthwhile, albeit brief, visit. However, for families seeking interactive or easily understandable exhibits, other attractions might be more suitable. Consider pairing this visit with the nearby cycling museum if your family enjoys cycling.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're on a tight budget and looking for maximum cultural immersion, weigh the cost against the potential for a less informative experience if you don't speak Dutch. It might be a quick stop to appreciate the architecture and a few key exhibits rather than a full-day exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Silver Collection: A Hidden Gem
This collection is a testament to Oudenaarde's historical wealth and its citizens' generosity. The display is thoughtfully arranged, allowing visitors to get a close look at the craftsmanship. For those with an interest in decorative arts and historical artifacts, this is a definite highlight of the museum.
Navigating the Language Barrier
This language barrier means that visitors who don't speak Dutch may find the experience less enriching. The film on the ground floor is also only in Dutch. Travelers looking for in-depth historical or artistic context might be disappointed. It's crucial for potential visitors to be aware of this limitation and adjust their expectations accordingly, perhaps focusing more on the visual aspects of the exhibits.
Oudenaarde and the Tour of Flanders
During the Tour of Flanders, Oudenaarde can become extremely crowded with spectators. While this creates a vibrant atmosphere, it also impacts accessibility and the general visitor experience. If you're visiting specifically for the race, be prepared for large crowds and potential disruptions to normal museum operations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit