VirtualBruges - Museums

In the Middle Ages it was the members of the Brugse Vrije who made the decisions about everything that went on in a large part of the county of Flanders. Just like all the other important administrative bodies, its headquarters were on Burg Square. The best preserved part of this architectural whole is doubtless the Aldermen's Hall. The Aldermen's Hall boasts a 16th century monumental chimney-piece in pure Renaissance style. This was erected in honour of Emperor Charles the Fifth, who was reigning at the time, after he conquered the French King Francis I near Pavia in 1525. Hence his central position, with the imperial sword and the imperial apple in his hand. He is flanked by Maximilian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy, his paternal grandparents. On his right are Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, his maternal grandparents. This magnificent monument is the main attraction in this provincial museum.
	Bruges Renaissance artist and architect Lanceloot Blondeel was responsible for work on this masterpiece. It is made of wood, alabaster and marble and was produced between 1528 and 1581. The fine wood carving shows the family tree of Charles V.	The black marble chimney-piece bears an alabaster frieze showing four scenes from the biblical story of the chaste Susanna. The whole masterpiece was paid for with taxes, inheritances and fines from convicts.

Opening hours
April-September	October-March
9.30 h - 12.30 h 13.15 h - 17.00 h	9.30 h - 12.30 h 14.00 h - 17.00 h
All the museums are closed on the 1st of January, Ascension day (afternoon) and the 25th of December