Poortersloge, Medieval trading lodge at Jan van Eycksquare, Bruges, Belgium.
The Poortersloge is a Gothic building with a tower at Jan van Eycksquare in Bruges that served as a trading lodge in medieval times. The structure displays characteristic late medieval architecture with a brick facade and multiple stories containing rooms that were once used for trade meetings and assemblies.
The building was constructed between 1395 and 1417 during a time when Bruges flourished as a major trading port in northern Europe. It served as a meeting place for wealthy merchants and city leaders, reflecting the economic power this social class held in the city.
The building now hosts contemporary art exhibitions organized by Cultuurcentrum Brugge, displaying works from local and international artists throughout the year. It serves as an active exhibition space that brings modern creativity into these historic rooms.
The building is centrally located at Kraanrei and is easily reached on foot from the city center. If you want a guided tour or detailed information about current exhibitions, ask the staff on-site.
A stone bear sculpture adorns the facade, commemorating the Society of the White Bear that held meetings here. This rare sculpture remains as a trace of an era when guild associations shaped the city.
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