--- title: "Museums in Bruges: the complete 2025 guide | The Bruges Explorer" url: https://www.brugesexplorer.be/en/culture/museums description: "Discover the fascinating museums of Bruges: the Torture Museum, the Groeninge Museum, Choco-Story and more. Tickets, tips and opening hours." lang: en --- Image: Torture Museum Brugge (https://www.brugesexplorer.be/assets/torture-museum-hero-BDm7AYbG.jpg) Home (https://www.brugesexplorer.be/en) Europe's oldest prison # Torture Museum Bruges Historic museum in Europe's oldest prison Bruges, city of culture ## Why Bruges is a world-class museum city Bruges has more museums per square kilometre than almost any other city in Europe. That is no coincidence. In the 15th century this was the cultural capital of the Burgundian realm: the place where Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David painted their masterpieces, where the richest merchants in the world made their fortunes, and where art and craft flourished like nowhere else. That legacy lives on in an impressive museum landscape. From the Groeninge Museum with its unrivalled collection of Flemish Primitives to the Torture Museum, which reveals the dark side of medieval justice. From the interactive Historium that takes you back to 1435 to the Frietmuseum, which tells the story of Belgium's most famous export. In this guide I introduce you to every museum worth visiting, with tickets, tips and ways to combine visits that will make your visit unforgettable. ## Torture Museum The Torture Museum Oude Steen is located in the historic heart of Bruges. In the early Middle Ages, it served as the city's oldest prison. Recently, the 11th century cellar has been transformed into this historic museum. The museum represents the history of one of humanity's darkest pages. Lifelike wax figures with authentic torture instruments will demonstrate in a penetrating way what humanity has been capable of, how much we have evolved since then, and where pitfalls still exist in today's legal system. Image: Torture Museum exhibit (https://www.brugesexplorer.be/assets/torture-museum-exhibit-C-6Eb3ho.jpg) Image: Torture Museum dungeon (https://www.brugesexplorer.be/assets/torture-museum-dungeon-DBi_THpF.jpg) ### Wax Figures Dozens of lifelike wax figures in original clothing catapult you centuries back in time. ### Authentic Torture Instruments Most torture instruments are authentic pieces that have been preserved through the centuries. ### The Dungeon A medieval room transformed into a dungeon with lighting and audio techniques for an immersive experience. ## Prices Adults €9,00 Students €7,00 Children up to 10 years Free Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) €25,00 Groups (per person) €7,00 ### The Musea Brugge Card With the Musea Brugge Card (€49 adults, €37 for ages 18 to 25, €17 for ages 13 to 17) you get 72 hours of access, from your first museum visit, to all the city museums: the Groeninge Museum, Gruuthuse Museum, St John's Hospital, the Belfry and more. After two or three museums the card has paid for itself. Prices subject to change; check the official website. 💡 Combine the card with the Historium for a complete day of culture. Wollestraat 29, 8000 Bruges Within walking distance of the Markt Daily 10:30 - 18:30 7 days a week 050 73 41 34 info@torturemuseum.be ## Other Museums in Bruges Discover Bruges' rich cultural heritage with these fantastic museums ### Groeninge Museum Bruges' most important art museum featuring masterpieces by Flemish Primitives such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. Dijver 12, 8000 Bruges Tue-Sun 9:30-17:00 (closed Mon) €15 | Combi-tickets available ### Historium Bruges Interactive museum taking you to medieval Bruges with VR experiences and historical reconstructions. Markt 1, 8000 Bruges Daily 10:00-18:00 €16 | Children €11 ### Choco-Story Discover the fascinating history of chocolate, from the Mayans to today. Includes demonstrations and tastings. Wijnzakstraat 2, 8000 Bruges Daily 10:00-17:00 €12 | Combi-tickets available ### Lumina Domestica Unique lamp museum with over 6,000 lamps and light sources from around the world, from prehistoric lamps to modern lighting. Wijnzakstraat 2, 8000 Bruges Daily 10:00-17:00 €9 | Combi with Choco-Story €15 ### Friet Museum World's only museum dedicated to Belgian fries. Learn about the history and taste fresh fries in the medieval cellar. Vlamingstraat 33, 8000 Bruges Daily 10:00-17:00 €9 | Children €6 Sights All the highlights of Bruges https://www.brugesexplorer.be/nl/cultuur/bezienswaardigheden Guided tours With a local guide https://www.brugesexplorer.be/nl/activiteiten/rondleidingen Book a stay Within walking distance https://www.brugesexplorer.be/en/our-stays Witchcraft in Bruges ## Witches Museum Bruges Discover the mysterious world of witchcraft in medieval Bruges. This unique museum tells the story of witch trials, folklore, and superstition that dominated the Low Countries for centuries. ### Witch Trials Learn about the infamous witch trials and the stories behind the victims. ### Folklore & Superstition Discover the rituals, amulets, and practices associated with witchcraft. ### Historical Artifacts View authentic objects from the era of witch persecutions. FAQ ## Questions about museums Practical information for museum visits ### Is the Torture Museum suitable for children? ### Is there a combo ticket for Torture Museum and Witches Museum? ### What are the museum opening hours? ### Can I take photos in the museums? ### Are audio guides available? ### Is the Musea Brugge Card worth it? ### Which museum is the best in Bruges? ### How much time do I need per museum? ### Which museums are best for a rainy day? ### What can I expect at the Groeningemuseum? Stay & ride ### Sleep next to the museums Walking distance from the Markt and the Burg — first on the square in the morning. Hotel #### Hotel Karel de Stoute Moerstraat, historic centre A characterful boutique hotel where history meets comfort, in a top location steps from the Markt. Self check-in. Book your stay (https://www.chocolatehotel.be/)from €77 per night Suites #### Chocolate Suites Oude Burg, city centre Not a hotel, a feeling. Ten chocolate-themed suites in the buzzing centre, with king beds, self check-in and a chocolate breakfast. See the suites (https://www.chocolatesuites.be/)from €89 per night Sights: https://www.brugesexplorer.be/nl/cultuur/bezienswaardigheden Witches Museum: https://www.brugesexplorer.be/nl/cultuur/witches-museum History of Bruges: https://www.brugesexplorer.be/nl/cultuur/geschiedenis Churches & chapels: https://www.brugesexplorer.be/nl/cultuur/kerken Our places to stay: https://www.brugesexplorer.be/en/our-stays ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Museum", "name": "Torture Museum Brugge - Oude Steen", "description": "The Torture Museum Oude Steen is in the historic heart of Bruges.", "image": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be/torture-museum-hero.jpg", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "Wollestraat 29", "addressLocality": "Brugge", "postalCode": "8000", "addressCountry": "BE" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.2084, "longitude": 3.2265 }, "telephone": "+32 50 73 41 34", "email": "info@torturemuseum.be", "url": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be/en/culture/museums", "priceRange": "€7 - €25", "openingHoursSpecification": [ "Mo-Su 10:30-18:30" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Museums", "item": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be/en/culture/museums" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "inLanguage": "en", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be/#organization", "name": "The Bruges Explorer" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be/#organization", "name": "The Bruges Explorer", "url": "https://www.brugesexplorer.be" }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Torture Museum suitable for children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The museum displays historical torture instruments and can be confronting. Children under 12 are discouraged. Teens 12+ can visit under supervision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is there a combo ticket for Torture Museum and Witches Museum?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes! The combo ticket offers 20% discount on both museums. You can buy it online or on site. Both museums are located next to each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the museum opening hours?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most museums are open daily from 10:00-18:00. Some are closed on Mondays. The Torture Museum and Witches Museum are open 7 days a week from 10:30-18:30." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I take photos in the museums?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In most museums you can take photos without flash for personal use. The Groeningemuseum has restrictions. Check at the entrance for specific rules." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are audio guides available?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, many museums offer audio guides in multiple languages. These are often included in the entrance fee or cost €3-5 extra. Some also have apps." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Musea Brugge Card worth it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely! The card costs €49 (ages 18-25: €37, ages 13-17: €17) and grants 72-hour access, from your first visit, to all city museums: the Groeningemuseum, Gruuthusemuseum, Sint-Janshospitaal, Belfry and more. Prices subject to change, check the official website." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which museum is the best in Bruges?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It depends on your interests. Art lovers: the Groeningemuseum (Flemish Primitives). History: the Historium (interactive). Families: the Fries Museum or Choco-Story. Unique experience: the Torture Museum. Tip: combine 2-3 museums for a full day." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much time do I need per museum?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Torture Museum: 45-60 minutes. Groeningemuseum: 1-1.5 hours. Historium: 1.5 hours. Choco-Story: 1 hour. Fries Museum: 45 minutes. Plan realistically — you'll want time for the city itself too." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which museums are best for a rainy day?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Historium (interactive, 1.5 hours), followed by Choco-Story + Lumina Domestica (same building, combo ticket). Then lunch, and afterwards the Groeningemuseum. That fills a whole rainy day with culture — with chocolate and fries along the way." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What can I expect at the Groeningemuseum?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "One of the most important collections of Flemish Primitives in the world: Jan van Eyck's 'Madonna with Canon van der Paele', works by Hans Memling and Gerard David. Compact but world-class. Allow at least an hour, longer for art lovers." } } ] } ] ```