News from Bruges

On Saturday, 3 October, the Adornes Estate opened a completely renewed museum in its restored historic almshouses. Featuring a new exhibition design, previously unseen objects from the family collection and the extraordinary story of seventeen generations, this remarkably preserved family estate has entered a new chapter in its history. Flemish Minister for Immovable Heritage Ben Weyts attented the special opening.

The Visit Bruges Route App, a popular digital guide to discovery routes in Bruges with over 300,000 unique users to date, is adding its first ever cycle route. With the new ‘Cycling between Bruges and Damme’ route, visitors can explore the historic landscape between Bruges, Damme, Oostkerke and Hoeke at their own pace.

In 2026, Belgium will celebrate ten years since its beer culture was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This tradition is also very much alive in Bruges. On 12 and 13 September, beer culture will take centre stage at the 18th Bruges Beer Festival, where visitors can sample, discover and enjoy Belgian craftsmanship.

With an ambitious and diverse exhibition programme, BRUSK continues - beyond its current opening exhibitions - to focus on delivering an innovative art experience in Bruges. The highlight is High Tide, a brand-new exhibition exploring the poetry of the sea and the power of water through fashion and contemporary art.

Musea Brugge has had a great museum year. No fewer than 858,990 visitors came to the Bruges municipal museums in 2025.

On 8 May 2026, BRUSK – the new art gallery in the heart of Bruges – will officially open with a unique double programme of top-tier international exhibitions: the first solo in Belgium by Refik Anadol and the prestigious cultural-historical exhibition “Bigger Picture”.

The European Commission has announced the finalists for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026 award. This accolade is given to a city that has shown an exceptional commitment to shaping the future of sustainable and innovative tourism. 

During its meeting on September 1, 2025, the College of Mayor and Aldermen approved several amendments to the police regulations on tourist walks.