Widescreen. Interwoven worlds of Bruges 900-1550

Throughout the Middle Ages, Bruges developed into a cosmopolitan city, a hub in global networks of trade, culture, and politics. At its peak, Bruges seemed to be the epicenter of the world. But the city never stood alone. Bruges was constantly in contact with other regions and cultures through trade, travel, faith, and ideas. And it was precisely these connections that gave it an important role in world history. More than 250 objects are on display in the new art gallery Brusk in Bruges until September 6, 2026.

The prestigious opening exhibition 'Breedbeeld' seeks out those connections. What mark did merchants from Scandinavia, crusaders from Jerusalem, or scientists from the Islamic world leave on the Flemish city, and vice versa?

Different times and continents

From the North Sea, the Christian East, and the Mediterranean, to court culture and the so-called 'new' world. Five chapters filled with unique historical objects and stories from different eras and continents highlight the interactions between medieval Bruges and the rest of the world. In collaboration with renowned British historian and author Prof. Dr. Peter Frankopan and experts Prof. Dr. Jan Dumolyn, Prof. Dr. Jo Van Steenbergen, Dr. Axel Langer, and Prof. Dr. Wim De Clercq, the exhibition shines a light on crucial, yet often forgotten, stories about our history. 

Art and objects from top museums

'Breedbeeld' brings together more than 250 art and heritage objects. In addition to top objects from its own collection, Musea Brugge is also bringing exceptional loans from leading museums worldwide to Bruges for the exhibition. 

Unique artworks such as Hans Memling's 'Passion of Christ' from the Musei Reali Torino – Galleria Sabauda (Turin) (see above: Umm al Qiwain (1972) – Easter Passion of Christ), the anonymous 'Portrait of Suleyman' from the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Vienna), or Bellini's iconic 'Portrait of Mehmet II' from The National Gallery (London) are traveling to BRUSK especially for the exhibition. 

The exhibition also displays exceptional manuscripts, such as the 'Portrait of Alexios I Komnenos' from the Vatican Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, which is only rarely loaned out, and the famous 'Nuzhat al-mushtāq fī ikhtirāq al-āfāq' – also known as the 'Tabula Rogeriana' – from the Bodleian Libraries (Oxford). Various unique archaeological finds and impressive tapestries also make the cultural richness of the Middle Ages tangible.

Broader view

The Middle Ages are shaking off their dark image and revealing themselves in full glory. The BRUSK exhibition is an invitation to look at history and globalization from a broader perspective. An unmissable journey of discovery of a larger story.

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In the heart of the Bruges museum quarter lies art gallery BRUSK: a new cultural attraction with an international appeal. BRUSK is a venue for top-level exhibitions and activities, where art surprises, moves, and provokes thought. BRUSK is an art gallery for surprising exhibitions and vibrant activities for all ages. The building, designed by Robbrecht & Daem architects and Olivier Salens architects, is a place buzzing with creativity, where new encounters and experiences are never far away. You experience art not only in the exhibition halls, but also in Bar Brusk, the adjacent research center BRON, and the museum park. BRUSK is a place where you can view, experience, and discuss art. At the same time, BRUSK offers space to preserve and research the rich art collection of Musea Brugge in state-of-the-art depots and research spaces. Good reviews of this exhibition in de Volkskrant and NRC. Source: Brusk Brugge.

Widescreen. Interwoven worlds of Bruges 900-1550, through September 6, 2026:

https://bruskbrugge.be/nl/kalender/tentoonstellingen/breedbeeld