Foltermuseum Oude Steen
Museum in a medieval cellar in Bruges with wax figures and authentic torture instruments, about a dark chapter of history.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Foltermuseum Oude Steen is on the Wollestraat, close to the Grote Markt in Bruges, in a cellar from the 11th century. In the early Middle Ages the space served as the city's oldest prison. The cellar belongs to the mansion De Oude Steen, which according to research by Onroerend Erfgoed (Flemish Heritage Agency) is the oldest surviving house in Flanders: the cellar is more than 800 years old.
In recent times a historical museum on the use of torture and criminal law has been set up in the cellar. Dozens of lifelike wax figures in original clothing show how prisoners were treated. It concerns about one hundred objects, including a guillotine, a gallows, a rack and thumbscrews. Most of the torture instruments are authentic; some are replicas made as faithful to the originals as possible.
An old part of the cellar has been converted into a dungeon, where light and sound take the visitor back to that dark period. The museum aims to show what human beings have been capable of and which pitfalls still exist today.
Highlights
- Cellar from the 11th century, the oldest prison in Bruges
- Dozens of lifelike wax figures in original clothing
- Authentic torture instruments such as a guillotine, gallows and rack
- Dungeon with light and sound effects
- Housed in the oldest surviving house in Flanders
Permanent exhibition
- Foltermuseum in de middeleeuwse kelder – Wax figures and about one hundred authentic torture instruments and replicas in a chronological arrangement, with a dungeon featuring light and sound effects.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
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| Reduced | €7Students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 10 · Children up to and including 10 years old enter free. |
| Students & apprentices | €7 |
| Groups | €7 per personGroups pay €7 per person. |
| Families | €25Family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children. |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 10 |
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| Family ticket | €25 · Family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children. |
Children up to and including 10 years old enter free; there is a family ticket.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on the Wollestraat in the historic centre of Bruges, close to the Grote Markt.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The space is well ventilated and covers a large area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | You may not touch the wax figures. Tickets can be booked online via the website. |
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