Museum Hof van Busleyden
Welcome to the Museum Hof van Busleyden. Step into this majestic and magnificent Renaissance palace in Mechelen, the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands. Follow in the footsteps of Hiëronymus van Busleyden, Margaret of Austria, Erasmus and Thomas More. Exchange ideas and reflect on our changing world, much like they did.
The opening up of the New World in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries ushered in a new era, called the Renaissance, in which man was considered the centre of the universe. An era in which everything changed. Today this house has once again become a meeting place, a place for conversations, where new ideas are born and art is collected and displayed.
Find out more about the surprising Burgundian history as you venture deeper into the Hof van Busleyden, discovering its treasures and stories. Learn more about the Burgundians’ ideas, about the city, about power and about mastership and craftsmanship. Move from lively and bustling rooms to more private and quieter places. Go in search of the real Margaret and peek into the intriguing and fragile Enclosed Gardens.
In this museum, we look back at the city’s glorious history and look ahead to the future, together with you. Travel back and forth, between the past and present. Experiment and engage in a dialogue with the museum and its ever-changing collection. The story is far from finished.
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.
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.
Introductory garden tour – practical info
- For whom: Individual visitors. Please note, this tour is outdoors. Wear suitable clothing.
- When: Every first Sunday of the month, from 11 am to 12 pm.
- Cost: 7 euros per person for the tour.
- Reservations: The guide will take a maximum of 15 visitors. If you want to be sure of a place, book online in advance.
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
