City Hall

The Bruges town hall was built in 1376, which makes it one of the oldest town halls in the Low Countries. The city has been ruled from here for over 600 years. The gothic hall is a work of art in itself, with splendid 19th century murals and a colourful vaulted ceiling. The painted figures depict Bruges’ glorious past. The theme "citizens and government" sheds light on the eternal power struggle between the city government, the sovereigns, and the people of Bruges.

Following the murder of Charles the Good in 1127, Bruges received a city charter, leading to further political autonomy and designating its own council. In 1376, the building of a town hall on Burg Square began. Its construction lasted for centuries, partly due to problems related to a lack of space. At the end of the 19th century, city architect Delacenserie performed a radical 20-year renovation, (the new Gothic Hall). During a restoration of the façade in 1959, the statues were deemed to be of poor quality and were removed. The argument in Bruges over how to fill the empty alcoves lasted until 1989. Eventually the city requested sculptors to reinstate the original statues of rulers and biblical figures.

In the main hall, original 14th century consoles and imposing portraits of rulers dominate the room. Contemporary multimedia sheds light on the construction history of the Town Hall and Burg Square. Anyone interested in the power struggle between citizens and the rulers should certainly visit the Gothic Hall and the Historic Hall. Amongst other things, the display cases feature the first coins used in Bruges, archive pieces such as the great seal, and a copy of Galbert of Bruges’ historical account.