The Vleeshuis (Butcher's Hall, or literally Meat House) in Antwerp, Belgium is a former guildhall. It is now a museum located. The slope where the Drie Hespenstraat meets the Burchtgracht used to be known as the Bloedberg or Blood Mountain. In the Middle Ages, Antwerp was one of the economic centers of Flanders, next to Bruges and Ghent. Because of that, indoor trade markets were founded, one of which was the Vleeshuis. It is not known when the first one was built. The second Vleeshuis was built in 1250 near the castle of Antwerp. A central meat market enabled the city to regulate the meat industry, limiting the number of butchers permitted to sell to 52. The building may have also functioned as a slaughterhouse. In 1290, John I, Duke of Brabant recognized the guild of Antwerp butchers, resulting in butchers' guild being the oldest trade guild in Antwerp. In time, many of the butcher families became wealthy.The Vleeshuis functioned as a commercial center for selling slaughtered animals.
Visitor Info
Rating
★ 4.5 2,100 reviews
Visit Time
~60 min
Best Time
Weekday morning
Insider Tips
- · This is a strong stop for music and guild history rather than a quick photo stop
- · Check current exhibits because the programming can change
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Vleeshuis originally used for? ▾
Built in 1503, it was the exclusive guildhall of the Antwerp butchers' guild, where meat was sold on the ground floor and guild business conducted above.
What is in the museum today? ▾
The Vleeshuis is now 'Sounds of the City,' a museum tracing Antwerp's musical history from medieval carillons to harpsichords, featuring original instruments and sound installations.
Is it worth visiting if I'm not into music history? ▾
The Gothic architecture of the building itself — with its distinctive turrets and layered brickwork — is reason enough to visit; the music exhibits add further depth.
When was the building constructed? ▾
The Vleeshuis was built between 1501 and 1504, designed by Herman de Waghemakere, and is considered a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic civic architecture.
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Vleeshuis Museum — offline map & tips