Fritz Mayer van den Bergh was a Belgian art collector whose passion for Old Flemish Masters and rare art objects made him one of the key figures in the cultural life of Antwerp in the late 19th century. He was born in 1858, the son of a wealthy businessman and lawyer. His interest in art began in his youth, and he devoted much of his life to collecting unique and rare works, becoming a prominent collector of his time.
Who is Mayer van den Bergh
Van den Bergh was not just a collector, but a true researcher and connoisseur of art. He focused on works from the Northern Renaissance and the Middle Ages, acquiring works by little-known masters of the time. One of his most famous acquisitions was Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s Mad Greta, which was virtually forgotten at the time.
The Museum Mayer van den Bergh in Antwerp was founded in memory of the eminent Belgian collector Frits Mayer van den Bergh, who died in 1901. After his sudden death, the collector’s mother, Henriette van den Bergh, decided to perpetuate her son’s memory by creating a museum to house and exhibit his unique collection. Henriette enthusiastically took on the construction of a new building to house the works of art he had collected and make them accessible to the general public.
The neo-Gothic building of the museum opened its doors in 1904. Its collection includes more than 3,000 works of art that Mayer van den Bergh collected throughout his life. The museum has become not only a tribute to the passionate collector, but also a cultural center that displays rare works by Flemish and Dutch masters of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Particular attention was paid to masterpieces that were little known at the time of their acquisition, which emphasizes the unique taste and foresight of van den Bergh.
Key stages of museum creation:
- In 1901, Henriette van den Bergh decided to create a museum in memory of her son.
- In 1904, the museum opened in a specially built neo-Gothic building.
- The collection includes more than 3,000 works of art collected during Mayer van den Bergh’s lifetime.
- The museum became a cultural centre specialising in the art of the Northern Renaissance.
- Includes works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Hans Memling, Quentin Massys and others.
Today, the Museum Mayer van den Bergh remains an important part of Antwerp’s cultural landscape, offering visitors the opportunity to admire rare and unusual works of art that were carefully collected by one of the most passionate collectors of his time.
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Overview of the Museum’s Collection
The collection of the Museum Mayer van den Bergh in Antwerp is a unique collection of works of art that reflects the deep knowledge and refined taste of Frits Mayer van den Bergh. His collection is distinguished by its particular focus on Flemish and Netherlandish masters of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Unlike most collectors of his time, Mayer van den Bergh showed an interest in little-known artists and rarely seen works, which makes his collection especially valuable for art historians and art lovers.
One of the museum’s most famous exhibits is Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s Mad Greta, which Mayer van den Bergh acquired at a time when Bruegel’s work was not receiving the recognition it deserved. The collection also includes masterpieces by artists such as Hans Memling and Quentin Massys, who occupy an important place in the history of Northern European art. The museum features paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and rare manuscripts, making the exhibition multifaceted and rich.
The main exhibits of the collection:
- Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s “Mad Greta” is the central masterpiece of the collection.
- Works by Hans Memling and Quentin Massys.
- Medieval sculptures and religious objects.
- Rare manuscripts and books.
- Decorative arts, including porcelain, textiles and jewellery.
The Mayer van den Bergh collection is notable not only for its masterpieces, but also for the diversity of styles and genres represented in the museum. His passion for finding rare works of art has resulted in a collection that remains relevant and valuable more than a hundred years later. Visitors to the museum can enjoy the wealth of Flemish and Dutch art, immersing themselves in the cultural heritage preserved thanks to the work of this outstanding collector.
Museum shop
The museum shop, like many other museum shops, is an important part of the overall atmosphere of the museum and offers visitors the opportunity to continue their cultural journey by purchasing souvenirs, books and other items related to the museum’s collection. The shop is located in the museum building itself and harmoniously complements its atmosphere, offering products that reflect the spirit and style of the eras represented in the exhibition.
Museum shop assortment:
- Books and Catalogues: The shop has an extensive collection of books on art, architecture and history related to the museum’s exhibits. These include monographs on individual artists, including Pieter Bruegel, as well as catalogues of temporary exhibitions and the museum’s permanent collection.
- Reproductions and Postcards. For those who want to take a piece of art home, the store offers high-quality reproductions of famous paintings and graphics, postcards featuring key exhibits, making them excellent souvenirs or gifts.
- Decorative items and souvenirs. The range of decorative items includes items inspired by the museum’s exhibits, such as jewelry, ceramics and textiles. An important part of the store are also souvenirs that remind us of the museum’s collection: miniatures of art objects, magnets, posters.
- Children’s goods. The museum also pays attention to young visitors. For them, the store offers educational games, books, and puzzles that help them get acquainted with the world of art in a playful way.
- Exclusive items . The museum shop often offers exclusive items that can only be purchased there. These may be limited edition reproductions, jewelry, or designer items.
The museum shop plays an important role in preserving the memory of a visit to the museum. It serves not only as a place to buy souvenirs, but also as a platform for continuing the educational mission of the museum. By purchasing books, catalogues, or other materials, visitors have the opportunity to explore in greater depth the works and history of art they encountered at the museum.
Opening hours, ticket prices, directions
The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is a treasure trove of art in Antwerp, Belgium, and a key destination for lovers of medieval and Renaissance art. To ensure a comfortable visit, it is worth checking out the opening hours, ticket prices, and directions to the museum.
The museum is open to visitors on the following days and times:
- Monday: closed.
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00.
- The museum is closed on official holidays, including Christmas and New Year. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website of the museum or to clarify by phone before visiting.
Ticket prices for visitors:
- Adults: about 8-10 euros.
- Pensioners (65+): 6-8 euros.
- Youth (up to 26 years): 3-5 euros.
- Children (under 12): free.
- Group tickets (10 or more people): discounts available with advance booking.
You can find out the current ticket prices on the official website of the Museum Mayer van der Bergh – https://museummayervandenbergh.be/. Special discounts for students and people with disabilities may also be offered. Ticket prices may change on certain days or during temporary exhibitions. Some museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month, check this information in advance.
The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is located at Lange Gasthuisstraat 19, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium. It is located in the city centre and is easily accessible by public transport, car or on foot.
How to get there:
- By public transport. Bus: The nearest bus stops are “Meirbrug” and “Antwerpen Sint-Jansvliet”, from where the museum can be reached on foot in 5-10 minutes. Tram: Tram lines 3, 5, 9 and 15 have stops near the museum (stop “Meir”), making it accessible from any part of the city.
- By car. The museum is located in the city centre, where parking restrictions apply. However, there are several paid car parks nearby, such as Parking Meir or Parking Nationale Bank. Make sure to follow traffic and parking regulations, as there are car-restricted areas in the city centre.
- On foot. If you are in the centre of Antwerp, the museum is easily accessible on foot. It is located close to the city’s main tourist attractions, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Meir, one of the city’s main shopping streets.
Before visiting, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the current exhibitions and events that are taking place at the museum. This can be done on the official website of the museum or through social networks. The museum also offers group tours and individual tours of the collection, which can be booked in advance.
The Museum Mayer van den Bergh offers its visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of art and enjoy rare works in a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
