Arentshof

Arentshof is a small, intimate garden tucked into the heart of Bruges, wedged between the Arentshuis and the Groeningemuseum, right next to the Bonifacius Bridge. It is easy to walk past without noticing, yet it rewards a short stop as a quiet break between two of the city's major museums.

Where does the name come from?

The land where the garden now stands belonged, until the 17th century, to the Gruuthuse estate — one of the most important residences of old Bruges. Only in 1662 was the plot finally separated as an independent property. In the 18th century its owner was Valentin de Stappens de Harnes, who held the office of schout (a judicial-administrative official) of Bruges. The current name comes from the Arents family, later associated with the site — both the garden (Arentshof) and the adjoining classicist mansion built in the 18th century, the Arentshuis, carry their name.

When did the garden open to the public?

For a long time Arentshof remained private land. That changed at the turn of the 20th century, when the city authorities decided to open it to the public. The garden formally became public domain in 1911–1912, at the same time the new Groeningemuseum was being built nearby. Since then, Arentshof has served as a green link between the former Gruuthuse estate and the new art gallery — a role it still fulfills today.

What can visitors see in the garden?

At the center of Arentshof stand two stone columns that originally belonged to the former Waterhalle, a market hall that once stood on Bruges' main square, the Markt. Their presence in the garden is a direct reference to the city's history and its former commercial architecture.

Behind the columns is a sculpture by Rik Poot, depicting the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse — a bold, expressive piece of contemporary art set against the historic greenery. This contrast between old and new is one of the garden's most distinctive features.

The garden also holds a so-called gloriette, a small pavilion believed to be the original 18th-century structure. It serves as a reminder of the site's earlier, private function before it became part of the public urban landscape.

What views does the garden offer?

From Arentshof, visitors can look out over the Bonifacius Bridge, the rear and side facade of the Gruuthuse palace, and the tower of the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk). This combination of views means that, despite its modest size, the garden offers one of the more picturesque perspectives on the historic center of Bruges.

Why is it worth a visit?

Arentshof is not an attraction that demands a long visit — it is more of a waypoint, a place to pause between the Arentshuis and the Groeningemuseum. Its value lies in the combination of history (the former Gruuthuse estate, the 18th-century gloriette, the Waterhalle columns), contemporary art (Rik Poot's sculpture), and a view onto some of the most recognizable buildings in Bruges. For anyone touring the museums in this part of the city, it is a natural, quiet stop along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arentshof a public garden? Yes, the garden has been open to the public since 1911–1912, when the city formally made it accessible to residents and visitors.

What can be found inside the garden? Two columns from the former Waterhalle, a sculpture by Rik Poot depicting the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and an 18th-century gloriette.

What does Arentshof border? The Arentshuis (the former Arents family mansion, now a museum space) and the Groeningemuseum, to which the garden leads.