Museum Hof van Busleyden

Welcome to the home of Hiëronymus van Busleyden! In this city palace you will discover the rich times of the Burgundian era and its significance for the city and the world beyond. Along the way you will meet a variety of Mechelen's residents: from your host, Hiëronymus van Busleyden, to the grande dame, Margaret of Austria, her cousin Charles V, and the reclusive Sisters Hospitalliers.

While we display the most beautiful artworks of the Northern Renaissance, we also run against the grain of history. Delve into themes such as nation-building, humanism, religion, globalisation, gender and power. Listen to the hushed voices of the 15th and 16th centuries: who don’t we see, or who is sidelined in the artworks? Who is missing from the inner circle? And what does that tell us about power and authority today?

At Museum Hof van Busleyden, discover the Burgundian period through the revamped permanent display based on absolute masterpieces. After your visit, relax in the completely redesigned museum gardens, inspired by lush Renaissance garden designs. Also brand new is the coffee bar in the historical corner building, where you can enjoy a break before or after your museum visit.

Focus Exhibition: Rik Wouters & Nel: Muse and Manager

15.10.2025 - 26.04.2026

14 artworks, 1 room. A figure stands between red curtains in a striking red-and-white striped dress. Sunlight streams through the open windows. Her gaze is bright, her cheeks flushed. It is the summer of 1913, and Rik Wouters captures his eternal muse Nel with bold strokes on the canvas. De Rode Gordijnen (The Red Curtains) is probably the most iconic of all the works produced by artist Rik Wouters (1882–1916).

In an intimate focus exhibition consisting of 14 works in 1 room, Museum Hof van Busleyden turns the spotlight on the woman between the curtains – Hélène Duerinckx, otherwise known as Nel, the partner of Rik Wouters. More than model and muse, she became his publicist and manager. In the years after his death, she tirelessly promoted his work, maintaining artistic networks to secure his legacy.

In this intimate exhibition the museum showcases the special bond between Rik and Nel. Through often warm, intimate domestic scenes, visitors get a rare glimpse into their lives together. Rik passed away at just 34 years of age, and Nel would spend the rest of her life, literally, leaving her mark on her husband’s artistic legacy.

More information

Garden tour through lush Renaissance gardens

Discover three walled museum gardens around Museum Hof van Busleyden, inspired by the luscious gardens of the Renaissance. There is something in bloom every day. Five hundred years ago, Hieronymus van Busleyden built his imposing residence here, with its adjoining garden. Together with a guide, you will take a walk in this green oasis, looking for the symbolism and history of this place.

Group visit with guide

Visiting the museum with friends, colleagues or family? Groups can choose from the group tour offerings. They will also enjoy a discount on the admission fee. With a Museum Pass, you can visit the museum in a group for free.

More information on the website of Museum Hof van Busleyden.

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible.
Toilets accessible to wheelchair users.
Please note: the disabled parking on Sint-Janstraat is located in a car-free zone. This means that vehicles are prohibited between 11 am and 6 pm. To avoid the car-free zone, you can park in the disabled car park in Frederik De Merodestraat, at number 30.
Facilities for visitors with a visual impairment.
Facilities for visitors with a hearing impairment.

For more information about accessibility, see here (only in Dutch) or contact the museum via hvb@mechelen.be.