Close
Between 15th April and 15th August, the Volkskundemuseum will be closed. The museum is undergoing some necessary infrastructure works. At the same time, we're taking the opportunity to register and photograph the collection in the museum and to add some new elements to the collection display. What exactly is happening? Read all about it here.
During the closure, the museum will receive a new heating system, which will better regulate the temperature in the various zones of the museum. In the wing on Balstraat, the convector pits will be renewed, the old lamps will be replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting, the exterior walls will be given a fresh coat of paint, and a new passage will be created so visitors can explore the museum in one loop without needing to backtrack.
During the works, we need to partially empty the Volkskundemuseum. This is the ideal opportunity to install our registration stations in the museum and register and photograph the collection objects on-site.
Over the past few months, we've been working behind the scenes to catch up on registering our extensive folklore collection. The heritage objects in the depot from this sub-collection are being photographed, registered, and moved to the new depot in the Erfgoedfabriek (Heritage Factory). By also adding the collection pieces in the museum display to our online database, we gain a better understanding of the size, composition, and strengths of the collection.
Afterward, we'll give the collection display a little refresh. We'll focus even more on child-friendly elements by adding interactive stations to the tour. The exhibition 'Children of the Past' on the first floor will undergo a complete makeover. In three experience corners, (grand)parents can experience and share stories of childhood from the 1950s-1960s with their (grand)children.
On the ground floor, two museum rooms will have a new purpose. In the room about games and entertainment, there will be a new display about the history of board games, featuring games from the rich collection of the SpellenLab. In the last room, currently set up as a winter room, we'll create a new display about textiles (lace, crochet, knitting, clothing repair, samplers...).
Additionally, we want to invite visitors to think about the collecting policy of Museums Bruges. The folklore collection contains objects that testify to the daily life of the past. Which objects or stories do you think are important to pass on to the next generations?
And what does Aristide V think of this? Our museum cat is very curious about all the activities. During the closure, he'll receive attention every day from colleagues registering the objects. On days when no one is present, the cat team will provide cuddles and love.
The museum will reopen its doors on 15th August. Tip: On Sunday, 15th September, we're organizing a day full of textile workshops, tours, and stories in collaboration with the Heritage Cell in the museum and museum garden. More information coming soon.
Foto's: © Femke den Hollander
