Adornesdomein

About the museum

The Adornesdomein is a medieval family estate founded in the fifteenth century by the Adorno family from Genoa. It consists of the Jerusalem Chapel, almshouses and a town house with a large garden. From the beginning the estate has remained in the family's possession; today Count and Countess de Limburg Stirum, the seventeenth generation after the founders, manage the estate through the vzw Adornes.

In 1427 Pope Martin V gave permission for a chapel with a bell tower; the chapel was consecrated in 1429. After his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1470–1471, Anselm Adornes had the old chapel replaced by a new one, intended as a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The almshouses were also built at that time. In the chapel stands the monumental tomb of Anselm Adornes and his wife Margareta van der Banck; his heart was brought back to Bruges after his death in Scotland.

Over the centuries the estate was a private house, a religious foundation, a convent, a school and a lace museum. Since October 2014 the whole has been called Adornesdomein. On 3 October 2026 a completely renewed museum opened in the six restored almshouses, with a new permanent exhibition about six centuries of family history and about Anselm Adornes as merchant, diplomat, knight and pilgrim.

Highlights

• Jerusalem Chapel from the 15th century, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre
• Monumental tomb of Anselm Adornes and Margareta van der Banck
• Renewed museum in the restored almshouses (opened 3 October 2026)
• Pieterszalen with contemporary art exhibitions
• The Scottish Lounge, a cosy honesty bar

Permanent exhibitions

• Adornesmuseum in de godshuizen – Fully renewed museum in the six restored almshouses, with new scenography and six centuries of family history around Anselm Adornes, with artworks and interactive applications.
• Jeruzalemkapel – The family chapel, consecrated in 1429 and built after the model of the Holy Sepulchre, with the monumental tomb of Anselm Adornes and Margareta van der Banck.
• Adorneshuis (alleen in groep) – Two floors of the private house, where Anselm Adornes once had his office, with a restored interior and an impressive art collection; only visitable with a group.

Founded

1429

Operated by

vzw Adornes (familie de Limburg Stirum)

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Museumpas and for children under 6, guides and press. Bruges residents get a special rate with the Brugse Pas or a one-off discount.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the estate is wheelchair-accessible. It is best to come with a guide and to notify the reception in advance, so that alternative entrances can be prepared. In a listed medieval site adaptations are limited: some doors are too narrow for a wheelchair and the cobblestones of the inner courtyard are not very comfortable.

Kids & families

Children under 6 enter free; the family ticket gives free admission from the third child onwards. Schools can visit at their own rate with visit themes from primary to secondary education. In the museum, films, quizzes and puzzles introduce the Adornes family.

Getting there & parking

On foot, within 2 to 8 minutes you can reach, among others, the Kantcentrum, the Sint-Annakerk, the Volkskundemuseum van Musea Brugge, the Engels Klooster, the Sint-Janshuismolen and the Gezellehuis.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

The Scottish Lounge is an honesty bar with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, water and snacks; you pay in a piggy bank. The shop sells books about medieval Bruges as well as Scottish and Burgundian products. Backpacks and other bulky items should be left at the reception.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The private rooms of the Adorneshuis can be hired together with the chapel for dinners, receptions, lectures or concerts; ask for a quote via the contact form. The Jerusalem Chapel can also be used for baptism celebrations in an intimate circle.

Plan your visit