Hof der dingen - Model of the Concert Hall in Bruges

When the first stone of the Concertgebouw in Bruges was laid in 2000, it sent shockwaves through the city. The striking design by Ghent-based architects Robbrecht en Daem, winners of an international competition, sparked a frenzy. It stirred controversy and quickly became the talk of the town - everyone seemed to have an opinion about it. Critics claimed it clashed with the medieval splendour of the provincial capital. 

Fast-forward more than twenty years. The building still has its fans and critics, but the building now features in publications such as 1000 Places to See Before You Die. Above all, it has become a vibrant cultural hotspot in Bruges. 

With its world-class acoustics, extensive art collection, and dynamic programme, the concert hall welcomes more than 150,000 visitors each year from West Flanders and far beyond. International concerts and dance performances share the stage with conferences, meetings, and corporate events. By day, visitors can explore the building via the Concertgebouw Circuit, and from its rooftop terrace, take in panoramic views over Bruges all the way to the coast. 

In 2022, the so-called Lantern Tower was renamed the Patrick Moenaert Lantern Tower, after the former mayor who helped make Bruges the European Capital of Culture in 2002 and was an avid advocate for the building. 

This model was donated by Katrien Van Eeckhoutte, director of the Concertgebouw: "I’m proud that, from the very beginning, I was able to help build the Concertgebouw — brick by brick — and that we can make it shine for and from West Flanders."