Vleeshuis, History museum in Antwerp, Belgium
Vleeshuis is a large guild building with red brick walls and white sandstone courses between them, topped with octagonal towers at its corners. Inside, two spacious halls display bronze items, ceramics, and historical musical instruments from Antwerp's past.
Construction began in 1501 under architect Herman de Waghemakere, replacing a smaller meat market that had stood near Steen Castle since 1250. The building served as a butchers' guild hall until 1793, then housed artist studios before becoming a museum in 1913.
Built originally as a guild house for butchers, it shaped the streetscape with its distinctive red brick facade and remains a symbol of how trade guilds organized city life. The building reflects the importance of craftsmanship in medieval commerce and community.
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday and on public holidays, making weekday visits not possible outside these times. Its location in the old town center means it is easily reached on foot and fits naturally into a walking tour of the city.
The building houses a notable collection of musical instruments that reveals music's role in Antwerp's craft tradition, though this collection receives less attention than the archaeological displays. Some pieces in this section are remarkably rare and well-preserved.
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