Hof van Busleyden Museum

Renaissance art fan or a history buff? Learn all about Mechelen’s history & more at this museum

You’ll learn a lot about Mechelen here as well as the Burgundian period (when Belgium, France, Netherlands, were ruled by the Dukes of Burgundy). For context, you should know this palace was the Court of Savoy 1507. Archduchess Margaret of Austria ruled from here as a widow, so this place is also called her palace.

You’re getting a two for one deal here; a gorgeous Renaissance style building with a museum too. Renaissance buildings are symmetrical, grand, and love geometry. This castle was one of the first renaissance style buildings in Europe, so architecture lovers need to check it out. The outside of the museum stays true to the original, but inside is all modern in style. Trust us when we say it somehow all blends together really well

This museum is perfect for big history buffs, arty nerds, and yes even families too.

• A lot of the museum displays are interactive or at the very least are informative. It might not follow an exact logical order, but the museum shouldn’t be skipped over
• Activities for kids too! Check out the golden cubes (interactive displays where kids can get creative, including making their own Enclosed Garden to take home)
• One display you shouldn’t miss is the portrait of Philibert van Savoy. He was the third husband and beloved of Archduchess Margaret of Austria, who lived in this palace in the 16th century
• The Court of Savoy culturally flourished in the 16th century and the museum has a great little collection of some Renaissance art you’re sure to enjoy
• Take a step outside, too. The palace’s courtyard garden is simply beautiful
• You’d be surprised at how much history this place holds even without the displays. Archduchess Margaret raised her nephew Charles here, who became the Holy Roman Emperor. Anne Boelyn also grew up at court here (the second wife of Henry VIII of England)
• De Garage hosts plenty of temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists like sketches by Stefan Serneels. It’s a short walk away from the museum.