Historium Bruges Review : Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting!
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If you’re looking for an interesting place to visit in Bruges, look no further than the Historium.
This museum is located in the heart of the city and offers a unique experience that will fascinate visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in history or not, I’m willing to bet that you’ll be amazed by the Historium – it’s a 4D experience that will leave you mesmerised.
In this Historium Bruges review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting this fascinating attraction!
>> Buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Historium here <<
Historium in Bruges: Vital Information
Historium Bruges opening hours: the museum is open from 11h to 18h, but there are nocturnes on Saturday until 22h as well. Tickets are available until 30 minutes before closing.
Historium Bruges Address: Markt 1, 8000 Bruges, Belgium.
>> Buy your skip-the-line tickets for the Historium here <<
Historium bruges Review
The Building
The Historium is located in a beautiful Neo-Gothic building situated in the heart of Bruges, on the main square (Markt).
The building dates from 1902, however, it’s located on the site of the Medieval Waterhalle warehouse.
This old storage unit used to be the centre for local trade before being demolished in 1787. It was later rebuilt as Provincial Palace but it, unfortunately, burned down less than 100 years later.
The Historium Story
The Historium Story is an immersive experience that will transport you back to medieval Bruges.
You’ll be swept up in a wonderful love story of Jacob around 1435 as you walk through 7 historical themed rooms, complete with magnificent medieval backdrops, film, music and special effects.
Using the audio guide, you’ll learn all about the Golden Age of Bruges and feel like you’re truly stepping back in the time of Jan Van Eyck, one of the great Flemish painters.
The story follows Jacob’s journey throughout the city, based on van Eyck’s iconic painting “Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele.”
The rooms where everything is taking place have been reconstructed to look exactly as they would have during this time period.
The Historium Exhibition
After you finish your tour of the Historium Story or the Historium Tower, you can enter the Historium Exhibition.
This interactive presentation explains medieval Bruges and painter Jan van Eyck’s works in detail through the eyes of Jacob.
You’ll learn about the city plan, as well as the fortifications and architecture.
Finally, you can learn how the experts such as designers and historians made the whole Historian Story using the latest technology.
Panoramic Terrace
Included in the ticket price is access to the panoramic terrace, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Bruges.
The terrace is located on the second floor of the Historium and can be accessed via a staircase or elevator.
Historium Virtual Reality
This is one of the most popular attractions at the Historium.
It’s an immersive experience that will transport you back in time to 15th-century Bruges. You’ll be able to explore the city as it was back then and even interact with some of its residents!
The virtual reality tour lasts for about 10 minutes. Using your virtual hands feels weird if you are trying VR for the first time, but this is a great add-on to the Historium Story!
The Historium Tower
For those who want to enjoy an even better view of Bruges, the Historium Tower is a must-see.
This 35-meter high tower is located next to the Historium. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the city.
To get to the top, you’ll have to climb a narrow and winding staircase that consists of 145 steps and is made up of 5 sections.
If you’re not feeling up for the challenge or if you are claustrophobic you better skip this part.
Be aware that a visit to the Tower is not included in the admission fee. An extra ticket needs to be purchased and costs €14. You are not allowed to enter the tower if you are smaller than 1m40. You’re also not allowed to carry a child in a baby carrier.
Historium VR Arcade & VR City
The Historium is also home to a virtual reality arcade where you may enjoy more virtual reality fun.
You can play VR games solo or in groups, whichever works best for you. For €28, you can have 30 minutes of VR fun.
Still not enough of VR? Another VR experience awaits you.
The VR City takes you on a journey through 6 different locations in Bruges. You get to see how the buildings and squares changed over time.
Duvelorium Grand Beer Café
Time to relax and have a drink!
When you’re done exploring the Historium, you can go to the Duvelorium Grand Beer Café which is located on the first floor. You’ll pass through it when exiting the Historium Exhibition.
This is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing Belgian beer or even have a real beer tasting experience.
The café has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to take a break from all the sightseeing.
There’s also a small shop, in case you wanted to purchase some Duvel items – after all, it’s one of Belgium’s most popular beer brands.
Historium Ticket Prices and Promotions
The most popular ticket is the combo Ticket Historium Story + VR. With this ticket, you will get access to Historium Story, Historium Exhibition and Historium Virtual Reality.
Prices are
- Adults: € 28
- Students / Youth, Seniors (65+) / Disabled guests: € 24
- Children (6 – 12 years): € 20
You can also buy a Historium Story Ticket, without the VR experience.
- Adults: €22
- Students / Youth, Seniors (65+) / Disabled guests: € 18
- Children (5 – 12 years): € 14
- Children (0-4 years): free
Also for sale at the Ticket Office are (not online):
- Historium Tower ticket: €14 (also gives you access to the Exhibition)
- Historium Virtual Reality: €12
- Historium and Groeninge Museum combi ticket: €32 (access to Historium Story and Exhibition + Groeninge Museum)
When you buy your ticket online you receive a reduction of €1 per ticket and a 10% discount on souvenirs in the shop!
Historium opening hours
Here you can find the opening hours of the different parts of the museum.
The museum is open every day from 10h30 am until 6h00 pm. The nocturnes on Saturday are open until 10h00 pm. Tickets are available until 30 minutes before closing.
The Historium Story is open every day from 10h30 am to 6h00 pm. The Nocturnes on Saturday are open from 10h30 am to 10h00 pm. The last entry is one hour before closing time. Every 5 minutes a maximum of 20 people are allowed in at the same time.
The Historium Virtual Reality is open every day from 10h30 am to 5h30 pm. The nocturnes on Saturday are open from 10h30 am to 8h00 pm. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing time. Every 10 minutes a maximum of 16 people are allowed to start their VR experience at the same time.
The Historium Tower is open every day from 10h30 am to 5h30 pm. The nocturnes on Saturday are open from 10h30 am to 8h00 pm. The last admission is allowed 30 minutes before closing.
Only 10 people (max) are allowed to enter every 15 minutes.
The Duvelorium Grand Beer Café is open every day from 11h00 am.
VR Arcade Brugge is open every day from 10h30 am to 6h00 pm. It is recommended to make a reservation for this part of the museum.
Visiting Historium with Kids
We visited the Historium with our 6-year-old and our little munchkin who was almost 1-year-old.
The smallest member of the family just enjoyed being carried around and didn’t really care where we were. But for kids that are a bit older, the Historium is an amazing experience.
Even those kids that hate museums, will love it here!
During the Historium Story, there’s plenty to experience: film, sound, ice-cold air, the scent of paint and much more. That’s 30 minutes where you won’t here your kids at all.
After experiencing the Historium Story, you enter the Historium Exhibition, where you can follow the Family Trail.
During this trail, you will find signs of the Historiums Mascotte, Mister Owl.
He does an excellent job showing children around and keeping them entertained with games and an exciting quest.
You have to guess which items and scents are from the Middle Ages and which aren’t. This maybe sounds easy but you may be up for a challenge!
Get your Family Trail sheet at the Historium Ticket Office to use as a compass during your visit, and take it home with you afterwards as a souvenir.
When to visit the Historium?
The Historium is open all year round, from Monday to Sunday. The opening hours are from 10h30 till 17h30, with nocturnals until 22h on Saturday.
The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
How much time can you spend in the Historium?
The Historium Story, which you will enter first, takes 30 minutes. Count some waiting time before you’re allowed to enter. Every 5 minutes a maximum of 20 people are allowed to start the experience.
For the Historium Exhibition, count about 20 minutes – but, obviously, that depends on your interest and on how long you plan to take selfies from the panoramic deck.
If you choose to add the VR experience to your ticket, you’ll need 10 more minutes. And add about 20 more if you want to visit the Tower too.
Where is the Historium located?
The Historium is located right in the centre of Bruges on the main square, De Markt. You really can’t miss it actually, it’s got plenty of banners.
How to get to the Historium?
If you’re staying in Bruges, you can just walk to the Historium. If you’re not, it’s easy to reach by public transport or by car.
By Train
You can take one of the intercity trains to Bruges from Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Kortrijk, Ostend or many other cities in Belgium.
When you arrive at Bruges train station, there is a bus that will take you directly to the city centre.
If you don’t want to take the bus, there are taxis available at the station. Walking is an option too but takes about 20 minutes.
By Bus
The buses marked ‘Centrum’ will take you from the station to De Markt, the main square. Near the square are several bus stops.
By car
Upon arrival via the E40 or E403, take the exit for Brugge. Proceed down the N351 until you reach the R30. After that, follow the parking route signs.
The Historium is situated in downtown Bruges and doesn’t have a parking lot. But you can easily use one of the underground car parks which are within walking distance of the Historium.
The closest ones are Parking Zilverpand or Parking Biekorf, but Parking Centrum Station and Parking ‘t Zand have more space and are easier to reach. Parking Centrum Station costs €7.10 for 24 hours, and you also get a free bus transfer ticket for the bus (if you show your booking or parking ticket).
Where to stay at Historium Bruges?
When you decided to visit the Historium, you’re probably looking to stay a few days in Bruges or spend a weekend there.
With Bruges being a very touristy city, you won’t have trouble finding a place to stay. You’ll find anything in the city, from simple hostels to fancy boutique hotels.
Two hotels very close to the Historium are Martin’s Brugge and the Dukes’ Palace Brugge.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t speak Dutch, is that a problem to visit the Historium?
No. The Historium activities are available in the following languages: English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese. You’ll get your own audio guide and headphones during the Historium Story.
Can I also get tourist information about Bruges itself?
Yes, you can. In the Historium is a Tourist Information Point where you can get a map of the city or ask all of your questions to the employees. The office is open daily from 10h00 until 17h00.
Are buggies or prams allowed?
No, they are not allowed inside of the Historium. You can leave your buggy at the Ticket Office. Definitely bring a baby carrier if you have little ones under 2 years old.
What do I do with my luggage?
The security team requires that all visitors bring backpacks or handbags into the attractions with them. Please be advised that during a tower visit, you will not be allowed to leave your backpack or handbag behind. Large bags or suitcases aren’t allowed inside for security reasons.
How much do Historium Bruges tickets cost?
Tickets for the Historium plus VR experience cost €28 for adults. Students, disabled guests, and people older than 60 need to pay €24. A ticket for children between 6 and 12 years old costs €20. Kids of 5 or under get in for free. When you book online you get a discount of €1 per ticket!
Wrapping up this guide to the Historium
If you’re looking for an immersive and educational experience that will transport you back in time, then the Historium in Bruges is the perfect place for you!
With its virtual reality experiences, historically themed rooms, and panoramic views, there’s something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Visit the Historium today!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
