O.L.V.-kerk Museum Partner Collection: Historic Bruges Painting Travels to Tokyo for Rare Reunion
An extraordinary piece of Bruges’ artistic heritage has traveled across the globe for a landmark cultural event. The 16th-century painting Scenes from the Life of Saint James and Saint John has departed the Groeningemuseum to be showcased at the National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) in Tokyo, Japan.
This historic international loan marks a monumental occasion: the first time in nearly 116 years that this masterpiece is reunited with its sister painting. Both artworks feature identical dimensions and are believed to have been crafted by the same anonymous master.
A Century-Long Separation and a Special Homecoming
The two companion paintings were last together in 1909 under the care of a London art dealer. Shortly after, their paths diverged. The municipal collections of Bruges acquired one piece, while the Japanese art collector Kojiro Matsukata purchased the other, which eventually found its home in Tokyo's NMWA.
Art enthusiasts currently have the chance to witness this rare pairing in Tokyo, where the joint presentation is scheduled to run until May 10, 2026. Following the exhibition in Japan, both masterpieces will travel back to Belgium. They will be displayed together at the Groeningemuseum from June 16 to October 26, 2026, offering local visitors and international travelers an exceptional summer viewing opportunity in Bruges.
Painstaking Preparation and Conservation
Transporting a delicate 16th-century panel painting across continents requires rigorous preparation. Because the artwork is painted on wood, it is highly sensitive to changes in climate and humidity.
Before the journey, researchers from both Belgium and Japan conducted extensive scientific analysis, including infrared reflectography. This special exhibition also prompted a comprehensive conservation effort. Sofia Hennen, painting conservator for Musea Brugge, meticulously cleaned and restored Scenes from the Life of Saint James and Saint John to ensure it would be presented in its finest condition.
The painting was transported in a custom-designed, climate-controlled crate by road to Luxembourg, before being flown to Tokyo. Curator Anna Koopstra accompanied the cargo to closely monitor its condition and ensure its safe installation.
Planning Your Cultural Visit to Bruges and the O.L.V.-kerk Museum
For those planning to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Bruges, this historic exchange highlights the deep artistic connections preserved across the city's municipal collections. While the Groeningemuseum prepares to host the reunited paintings next summer, visitors can explore other spectacular medieval treasures nearby.
The O.L.V.-kerk Museum (Church of Our Lady) stands as another essential stop on any cultural itinerary. Highly regarded for housing Michelangelo’s world-renowned Madonna and Child, the site also features vibrant painted tombs, historic paintings, and the final resting places of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.
To help you seamlessly design your journey through these historic venues, you can use Musemap (musemap.art) to orient yourself. To discover more close-by attractions and coordinate your itinerary, you can browse local museums or check the interactive city map to plan your next steps through the historic heart of Bruges.
