The Museum of the Holy Blood

There are many interesting objects on display in this small museum, all tied up with the rich history of the basilica and the relic.

One will find a.o. :

The shrine of the Precious Blood, the showpiece of the museum, was made by John Crabbe in 1617 from some 30 kg of gold and silver and more than 100 precious stones. In the upper part golden statues represent Christ the Saviour, The Virgin, St Donatian,and St Basil. Once every year on Ascension Day the shrine and the relic are carried in the procession by the participating abbots and prelates.

A small silver crown (XVth century) said to have belonged to Mary of Burgundy.

Scènes of the life of St Barbara (around 1480) painted by the Master of the Barbara Legend.

The burrial of Christ , a triptych attributed to the Master of the Precious Blood (1519).

A second triptych from the beginning of the 16th century represents Christ bearing the Cross, His being speared and His resurrection.

Two panels painted in 1556 by Peter Pourbus represent the 31 members of the Noble Brotherhood of the Holy Blood.

Six medaillons carved in oak by Henry Pulinckx in 1728 represent several scenes of christ's life : the circumcision, the flogging, the crown of thorns, the descent from the Cross, the entombment and the resurrection.

A large tapestry dated back to 1637 and marked with the crowned b of Bruges depicts the transfer of the relics of St Augustine from Africa to Sardinia.

Visit to the Museum

Museum entry and acces to the treasure: 5 Euro
Free for childeren under 12.