The Gruuthuse Museum is to the left of the first photograph and behind me in the second photograph.
Since 1955, this former palace has been a museum of decorative arts, recalling life as lived – mainly by the high and mighty – in Bruges from the 13th – 19th cebtury, There are 2,500 objects in the house, including paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, lace silk, tapestries, furniture, weapons and glassware. Highlights include the upper-floor oratory, a 1520 bust of the young Charles V and a guillotine (which was used). *
The oratory was my favourite room, the view was quite fascinating:
Lodewijk van Gruuthuses’s oak-panelled Gothic oratory dates from 1472. this is a private chapel that abuts the adjacent Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, and afforded Lodewijk and his family and undisturbed, overhead view of the altar and the tombs of Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy and his daughter Duchess Mary. the family’s motto, Plus Est En Vous (There Is More In You), can be seen above an arch in the ornate reception hall. *
*From Insight Guides Bruges – Smart Guide
What a marvellous building. Now I absolutely, definitely must visit Bruges
I would very much love to see your photo take of Bruges