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Museum · Mechelen, Antuérpia
Hof van Busleyden
Early 16th-century palace housing a museum about Mechelen in the Burgundian era, when the city was the capital of the Netherlands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hof van Busleyden
The Hof van Busleyden is an urban palace built between 1503 and 1507 for Hieronymus van Busleyden, designed by Rombout II Keldermans. The brick building has galleries, towers with spiral staircases and an inner garden.
The museum presents the period when Mechelen was at the center of power, in the Burgundian era and under Margarida da Áustria. The rooms address rulers, artists, musicians and everyday life of the time.
Busleyden himself, a humanist and friend of Erasmus of Rotterdam, serves as host in the permanent exhibition. Among the objects are the Besloten Hofjes, miniature closed gardens made by the nursing sisters of Mechelen, with silk flowers, relics and devotional figures.
The inner garden, surrounded by the palace façades, is a peaceful spot for a break. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on Burgundian culture.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
On a rainy day, as an indoor option. The museum is not open every day of the week—usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on Frederik de Merodestraat, about 300 metres from the Grote Markt, roughly a 5-minute walk. From Mechelen station it’s about a 20-minute walk.
Tip
Allow time for the Besloten Hofjes, which require close looking. The inner garden is a good place to rest between rooms.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hof van Busleyden
What are the Besloten Hofjes?
Enclosed miniature gardens, created by the Hospitaller sisters of Mechelen in the 16th century, featuring silk flowers, relics and religious figurines.
What is the museum about?
About Mechelen in the Burgundian period, when the city was the capital of the Low Countries, covering rulers, artists and daily life.
On which days is the museum open?
It usually closes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the days and opening hours before going.