Kantcentrum

Kantcentrum is a lace museum in Bruges, housed in the restored former lace school once run by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (Apostolinnen). The site combines a museum experience with a living craft tradition, making it one of the few places in the city where visitors can watch Bruges bobbin lace being made by hand.

What is the history behind the building?

The building on Balstraat has been linked to lace education for decades. The lace school run by the sisters reached its peak around 1860, when it trained as many as 400 students in various handmade lace techniques. Educational activities were interrupted during the First World War and resumed in 1922. As lace production became increasingly mechanized, traditional craft education gradually declined, which led to the founding of the non-profit organization Kantcentrum in 1970, created to continue the heritage and educational mission left behind by the sisters. In 2014, Kantcentrum moved into its current home in the restored former lace school building on Balstraat, where it remains today.

What can visitors see inside the museum?

The ground floor houses the Lace Museum, which tells the story of Bruges lace through multimedia installations and testimonies from international lace experts. The exhibition explains the different types of lace, their geographical origins, and the development of the local lace industry and the education connected to it in Bruges. Visitors can trace how techniques and patterns evolved over the centuries and understand the role lace played in the city's economy and culture.

Can visitors watch lacemakers at work?

Yes — this is one of the main draws of Kantcentrum. Bobbin lacemaking demonstrations take place every afternoon from 2 PM to 5 PM. Local lacemakers show visitors how lace is woven on a pillow using dozens of bobbins, giving a close-up view of a technique that takes years of practice to master. These demonstrations are included in the price of admission, so there is no extra charge to watch them.

Are there lacemaking workshops at Kantcentrum?

The second floor of the building houses a lace workshop, where both demonstrations and courses in lacemaking are organized for people who want to learn the craft themselves. This gives Kantcentrum a dual role: it functions both as a museum presenting the history of lace and as a living center passing the skill on to new generations.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Kantcentrum located? The museum is located on Balstraat in Bruges, in the building of the former lace school run by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

What are the opening hours? The museum and shop are open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

How much does admission cost? Adult tickets cost €5.20, students aged 12–26 and seniors over 65 pay €4.20, and children under 12 enter for free.

Are the lacemaking demonstrations included in the ticket price? Yes, the afternoon bobbin lacemaking demonstrations (2 PM–5 PM) are part of the standard admission ticket, with no additional fee.

Is Kantcentrum worth visiting if I'm not interested in crafts? The museum offers historical value beyond the craft itself, telling the story of lace's role in Bruges' economy and identity, which can appeal to visitors interested in local history as well as textile enthusiasts.