Groeninge Museum

Groeningemuseum; Musea Brugge

The Groeninge Museum offers a varied overview of the history of Belgian plastic arts. Although the Flemish Primitives are a high point, you will also marvel at top 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, masterpieces from Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art.

Collection
The focal point of the collection is without a doubt the world famous collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, with masterpieces by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, and Gerard David. Also important are pieces by internationally successful neoclassical painters (late 18th century). Artists such as Suvée, Duvivier, Ducq, Odevaere, and Kinsoen are known as for their historical paintings and portraits in a cool, Greco-Roman style. The remarkable collection of Flemish expressionist paintings also deserves attention, with works by Permeke, De Smet, Van den Berghe, Brusselmans, and Tytgat. The international reputation enjoyed by the Groeningemuseum is due not only to its exceptional permanent collection, but also to the prestigious temporary exhibitions that are regularly held here.

History
The Groeninge Museum is located in the Groeninge district, on the former site of the Eekhoutabdij (Eekhout Abbey). It was designed by architect Joseph Viérin, and as of 1930 it centralised Bruges’ collection of paintings, which had until then been rather scattered. Since 1995, an adjoining neo-gothic building by architect Jean-Baptiste Bethune has provided extra space. Viérin’s building underwent a complete renovation in 2002, and the area housing the permanent collection was also recently refurbished.

From the Flemish Primitives to Modern Art The permanent collection provides a rich and interesting overview of six centuries of the visual arts in the Southern Netherlands (which roughly corresponds to present-day Belgium). Highlights include the world famous collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, gems of the renaissance and baroque masters, a selection of 18th and 19th century neoclassical and realistic works, milestones of symbolist and modern art, masterpieces of Flemish expressionism, and a varied selection from the collection of post-war modern art. The Groeningemuseum is part of the Flemish Art Collection, a collaboration between three art history museums in Flanders: the Groeningemuseum in Bruges, the Museum for Fine Arts in Ghent, and the Royal Museum for Fine Arts in Antwerp.