The museum of fine arts called Groeninge Museum (Groeningemuseum) is a true pearl in the historical center of Bruges, not far from the Rose Embankment. It consists of 15 halls located in a building of 1930.

The opening of the museum was organized on the hundredth anniversary of Belgium's independence. The building was created especially for the museum's needs. At that time, the city did not have old houses that would meet the requirements for placing vast expositions and museum vaults.

The history of the museum started much earlier when the Academy of Arts was founded. In the past, the academy was settled in the House of Burgesses at Jan van Eyck Square. At the beginning of the 18th century, every artist in Bruges was obliged to gift one painting in exchange for the right to be present and work in the city. This is how a huge collection of paintings appeared. In 200 years after the closing of the academy, the collection was transferred to the city. At that time, it was united with the former museum of contemporary art.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the museum was in its heyday. There was a big exhibition of «Flemish Primitives», which evoked a big interest in the art on the whole.

Today, the museum displays a unique collection of 14-19th-century works of the Flemish and Dutch artists. It will be interesting for art lovers since there is an opportunity to enjoy the Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces and see the originals of the world-known canvases.

The main artistic value of the exhibition is the triptych named The Last Judgment (the early 16th century) by Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch. The famous painting depicts righteous and sinners on different sides, and Jesus with angels goes down to make the last judgment on them.

The museum collection is constantly enriched. Among the latest obtains are the works of British artist Frank Brangwyn, Bruges-born author of many propaganda posters of the First World War.

The museum provides special conditions of temperature, light, and humidity, which allow saving the masterpieces for a long time. Near the museum, there are some other attractions of Bruges which you can visit: the Church of Our Lady and the Diamond Museum.