Tremendously good exhibition on 700 years art in Mechelen. Perfect free audio guide, and just the good timing (1h30)

A large and particularly attractive Renaissance complex built for the wealthy Busleyden family in the early seventeenth century. For many years, this palatial complex was home to the Berg van Barmhartigheid (Mountain of Charity), which provided interest-free loans to Mechelen’s poor, but the building was badly damaged in World War I and subsequently passed to the city.

I had no idea that this museum even existed! Thanks to the social media and the exhibition which was advertised, I got to know this place. The permanent collection was very interesting. Loved the exhibition. The facilities were fine. The building is very close to Grote Markt where you can park your car in the underground parking.

The museum has an excellent array of exhibits but has opted for a rather minimalistic approach in a very confusing layout. While worth visiting, I think it might be better oriented towards families, having many children-friendly exhibits.

Very well done museum. They made such a good use of the place they have. Brought history together with modern architecture. Worth a visit.

Great exhibition, the collection itself is small but classy, but wonderfully exhibited!

Recently renovated city museum exploring the history of Mechelen with a focus on art and the medieval Burgundian period. Also features excellent temporary exhibitions.

The museum has a wide range of exhibits. They made effective use of the available space. By combining history and modern architecture. Well worth a visit.

Very nice renovation work done in this historical location, I went 2 times already to visit different expositions and this is really worth. A place I can keep coming back.

Collection was very interesting. Staff was sadly not that culturally sensitive.

Interesting museum about the history of the city

The Museum was closed to individual visitors, apparently they do that every Tuesday, even if there was NO ONE in the Museum. They prefer an empty Museum rather than let individual visitors in …

The former capital city of Mechelen has even more historical buildings then Brugge, and this Hof van Busleyden is one of the jewels of this heritage. The museum has been renovated with a splendid wing beneath the surface for temporary exhibitions but the permanent collection is a must as well. Unfortunately no photos allowed for the Children of the Renaissance.

Fantastic experience, very well designed exhibition!

While it does not have as much exhibitions, it blends modern and ancient materials together so that you're never bored. A very good use of space.

Nice temporary exhibition! good way to keep the visitors while having works in the museum.

The museum is currently (Easter 2023) under reconstruction and thus only a selection of its treasures can be visited in the undergrounds exposition hall (which is not reflected in the full income price). This selection seems deceptively smaller than it is (more than 100 items), most of which date from pre 1900s, including some paintings from Rubens, Jacob Jordaens and Pieter Coecke van Aelst. They offer a nice overview of the cultural history of Mechelen. There is an informative audio guide in English, Dutch and French, though some of it is rather anachronistic. They also have a special children's activity pack in Dutch. Upon completion children also can get a free post card which can be posted to any address in Belgium for free in the museum.

Great museum: good architecture, greatly conserved building, high quality collection and modern way of presenting it. Welcoming and skilled staff. Highly recommended