Subject related visits
Groenigemuseum/Arents House
Covering six centuries of artwork, this museum has a world-famous reputation for its collection of Flemish Masters. However, it is not only the Masters that are represented but their contemporaries too. A visit to this Art House will enable students to trace the development of art in Bruges right through to present day.
Old St John’s Hospital
As well as being one of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe, the Chapel is devoted to the artwork of Hans Memling who painted for the hospitaliers to show his gratitude for their help after he was wounded at the Battle of Nancy.
Lace Museum
The 18th Century saw the growth of a new industry in Bruges, lace making. The delicate designs and development in styles will give students the inspiration to work with a unique media and to understand the development of design throughout the lace making industry.
Belfry Museum
The thin winding staircase leads you up 366 steps to some magnificent views from the top. There is also an old treasury room and the clock mechanism and caillon with 47 bells are exquisite.
City Hall
Dating back to 1376 the City Hall provides a fine example of Gothic architecture. Inside the Council Chambers there are some wonderful displays of documents, works of art and spectacular ceilings decorated with medieval carvings.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The ground floor of St Basil's Chapel dates from the 1100's and houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. The bejewelled gold and silver Shrine of the Holy Blood is on display within the on-site museum.
Further highlights
- Music & Concert Tours
Ostend Bandstand
An attractive coastal resort, Ostend is one of Belgium's most popular tourist destinations, and the bandstand there is in high demand to provide entertainment for locals and tourists.
Church of Our Lady, Bruges
This is probably Belgium's most frequented venue for choirs and good chamber ensembles. With a delightful location in the very heart of the historical old town, this church hosts regular concerts, welcoming choirs, and orchestras with a serious concert repertoire. You need to be good to sustain an audience here - seating is limited, and a standing audience is the mark of a seriously impressive performance.
Bruges Market Square
This is a great opportunity for bands who can project and orchestras with a lively, entertaining repertoire. The locals expect good entertainment, and this is also expected at many of the town squares throughout the country. Don't disappoint!
Sint Romboult's, Mechelen
Mechelen is the ancient capital of the Netherlands (yup, not just Belgium!) and the carillion at Sint Romboult's is one of the most impressive in the country. Good choirs are invited to participate in Mass here, and if you have a good orchestra, this is the chance to work on a combined choral orchestral work like a Schubert Mass. Choral recitals are also possible.
