Hof der dingen - Bruges in posters: a walk down memory lane

Curious to discover Bruges’ history from a different perspective? Then you’ll want to check out the project ‘Bruges in Posters’ (Brugge in Affiches). 

For over 25 years, Pol has been collecting posters—an impressive, colourful archive that now holds thousands of unique pieces. Some posters even date back as far as 1803. From grand exhibitions on the Flemish Primitives, to eye-catching ads for the Cactus Festival, to humble raffle announcements in local pubs. 

Every once in a while, Pol comes across a poster that transcends the Bruges narrative—and this gem he lent to us does just that. It’s a stunning poster for a remarkable exposition held in 1920 at the Provincial Palace – the very building you’re in right now. The exhibition celebrated the post-war reconstruction efforts across the province. What makes it especially noteworthy? The design. Compared to the typically conservative poster styles of West Flanders at the time, this one feels surprisingly modern and bold. 

Want to dive deeper into this colourful archive of the city’s past? Take a closer look at the full collection at www.bruggeinaffiches.be