Jan van Eyck’s Margareta Portrait Temporarily Relocated: Bruges Art Update for Visitors
Art enthusiasts planning a trip to Bruges will find a temporary change in the city's museum displays. Jan van Eyck’s renowned masterpiece, Portrait of Margareta van Eyck, is temporarily leaving its customary gallery at the Groeningemuseum.
The painting is being relocated for a special showcase. The portrait will be featured in a major exhibition titled Bigger Picture: Connected worlds of Bruges 900-1550. This exhibition is hosted at BRUSK, the city’s brand-new art gallery space, and runs from May 8 to September 6. For those unable to see it in person during the transition, the work remains accessible to view via the online collection archive.
Planning Your Bruges Museum Itinerary
This temporary relocation offers a unique opportunity to experience the classic portrait in a fresh, contemporary setting at BRUSK. However, if you are organizing a broader tour of the local cultural heritage, there are numerous other landmark sites to include.
Just a short distance away, the O.L.V.-kerk Museum (Church of Our Lady) continues to welcome visitors to its historic space. This exceptional site is home to Michelangelo's world-famous Madonna and Child sculpture, alongside highly detailed painted tombs, major historical paintings, and the prominent ceremonial tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.
Maximizing Your Sightseeing in Bruges
To make the most of your cultural journey, visitors can take advantage of joint ticketing options. If you are planning a visit to the O.L.V.-kerk Museum, a discounted combination ticket also grants entry to the neighboring Gruuthusemuseum, a beautifully restored city palace.
Additionally, the Musea Brugge Card offers a convenient way to explore the city, providing 72 hours of access to open museum locations within the municipal network. To ensure a seamless experience, especially at busier historical monuments, cardholders are encouraged to reserve specific entry time slots in advance.
As you organize your cultural journey through these historic streets, let Musemap (musemap.art) help guide your itinerary. You can search the full Bruges museums list to find open attractions, explore the Bruges map to plot your walking route, or check what else is happening by browsing exhibitions and events during your stay.
