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.
EXHIBITION: Rik Wouters & Nel: Muse and Manager
25.10.25 - 26.04.26
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.
Opening hours
| Monday | closed. |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | closed. |
| Wednesday | 10 h. - 17 h. |
| Thursday | 10 h. - 17 h. |
| Friday | 10 h. - 17 h. |
| Saturday | 10 h. - 17 h. |
| Sunday | 10 h. - 17 h. |
Closed: December 25, 26, 31 & January 1.
Tickets
- At the museum’s ticket office
- In the online ticket shop
More information about the different rates can be found here.
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 a.m. and 6 p.m. 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.
Where
Museum Hof van Busleyden, Sint-Jansstraat 2a, 2800 Mechelen
