In the 15th and 16th centuries, Mechelen flourishes as never before. The city becomes the capital of the Burgundian Low Countries, with the formidable Margaret of Austria firmly at the helm. Officials, artists, philosophers and scholars all come to live and work here.
Through some of the finest works in the collection, we immerse you in these remarkable years, bringing the period vividly to life. We do so with curiosity as well as a critical eye. Who do you see represented in these works of art, and who was absent? And what does that say about power and the way it is distributed? History helps us understand not only the past, but also the world we live in today and the future we are creating.
Explore the Entire Collection
Today, the collection of Museum Hof van Busleyden contains some 24,000 objects. Almost all of them can be explored through our online catalogue. Search by artist or artwork type
Highlights you Shouldn’t Miss
The Enclosed Gardens
Discover the world’s largest collection of folding devotional cabinets, filled with stories from the late Middle Ages.
The Mechelen Choirbook
Be enchanted by one of the finest and best-preserved musical manuscripts of the 16th century, one that you can both see and hear.
Portrait of Margaret of Austria
Step into the world of Margaret of Austria, one of the most remarkable women of the Burgundian period.
Book a Guided Tour
Join one of our guides for a journey through the highlights of our permanent exhibition, At Home in Burgundian Mechelen. Along the way, you’ll meet some of the city's most fascinating inhabitants, including your host, Hiëronymus van Busleyden; the formidable Margaret of Austria; her nephew, Charles V; and the modest Hospital Sisters.
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