Date: ongoing permanent exhibition
Duration: 1,5 to 2 hours
Included with museum admission
Imagine Mechelen in 1507. Carriages come and go, messengers bring news from across Europe, and powerful figures such as Margaret of Austria and, later, her nephew Charles V, make the city their home. Mechelen is becoming a place where power, art and ambition meet.
In our permanent exhibition, At Home in Burgundian Mechelen, you’ll discover more about what that world was like, and what remains of it today. The exhibition explores themes such as nation-building, religion, humanism, globalisation, gender and power.
What Will You Discover?
Meet historical figures and the ordinary people of Mechelen
Your host, Hiëronymus van Busleyden, the formidable Margaret of Austria and her young nephew Charles V: key figures who step out from the history books and take on a human face.
But the exhibition also tells the stories of ordinary people from Mechelen, craftsmen and others who were often left out of the picture.
Unique Works of Art with Stories to Tell
From the Enclosed Gardens to the Mechelen Choirbook, the exhibition brings works of art that placed Mechelen on the international map and continue to inspire and move visitors to this day.
A Critical Look at the Past
History is never just one fixed story. This exhibition invites you to ask questions.
Who appears in these artworks, and who remains unseen? And what can that tell us about power and influence today?
Highlights Not to be Missed
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 captivated by the most beautiful and best-preserved 16th-century musical manuscript, which you can both see and hear.
Portrait of Margaret of Austria
Step into the world of one of the most fascinating women of the Burgundian period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the exhibition included with my ticket?
Yes. The permanent exhibition is included with your museum admission. There's no need to make a separate reservation. Your ticket gives you access to both this exhibition and whichever temporary exhibition is running at the time. You can check the current temporary exhibition here.
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How long does a visit to the permanent exhibition take?
Most visitors allow between 1.5 and 2 hours to explore At Home in Burgundian Mechelen at a relaxed pace. Prefer to take your time reading and reflecting on the artworks? You may want to stay a little longer. Visiting with children, or short on time? You can also choose a selection of highlights.
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Is there an audio guide?
Yes. You can collect one free of charge at the beginning of your visit. The audio guide is available in Dutch, French, English and Ukrainian.
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Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely. Children aged 6 and over can follow a Family Trail that introduces the exhibition in a fun way. Visiting with younger children? You’ll find additional tips on this page to help your visit run smoothly.
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Can I visit the exhibition with a guide?
Yes. Join a scheduled Sunday tour or book a group guided visit for your group or club.
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