Modemuseum Hasselt

Modemuseum Hasselt is a museum dedicated to the history of Western fashion, housed in a historic 17th-century building — the former city hospital, Oud Gasthuis — right in the heart of Hasselt. It is one of the few institutions in the Low Countries devoted entirely to clothing and accessories, with holdings spanning roughly from 1750 to the present day.

What does the collection include?

The museum's collection numbers around 18,000 objects, ranging from historical garments made by anonymous tailors to creations signed by some of the biggest names in fashion history. Represented couturiers include Charles Frederick Worth, Jacques Doucet, Paul Poiret, Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, Coco Chanel, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, André Courrèges and Yves Saint Laurent, alongside later designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Versace, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

The founding core of the collection came from Romanian stage designer and costume artist Andreï Ivaneanu (1936–1989). During the 1990s the museum acquired several historical masterpieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, while its 20th-century holdings cover everything from haute couture to ready-to-wear.

Why does the museum highlight fashion from Limburg?

Modemuseum Hasselt places particular emphasis on the history of Belgian fashion, and among contemporary designers it gives special attention to those with roots in the province of Limburg — most notably Martin Margiela and Raf Simons, two figures of international standing in Belgian fashion design.

How are the exhibitions organized?

Unlike many museums, Modemuseum Hasselt does not maintain a permanent display. Instead, it presents two thematic exhibitions each year, built around selected objects and themes. Material is drawn both from the museum's own collection and from loans by institutions at home and abroad, meaning every visit offers a different slice of fashion history.

When was the museum founded and where is it located?

Modemuseum Hasselt opened its doors to the public on 8 May 1988. It is housed in the former Oud Gasthuis, a 17th-century building in the center of Hasselt that is itself a piece of the city's historic heritage.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with limited mobility?

Yes — the building is equipped with an elevator, adapted restrooms, wide passageways and a ramp at the entrance, making it accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.

Frequently asked questions

What sets Modemuseum Hasselt apart from other fashion museums? Rather than a fixed permanent exhibition, it offers two changing thematic shows each year, allowing it to regularly present different chapters of nearly 300 years of Western fashion history.

How many objects does the collection hold? Around 18,000 garments and accessories, spanning from the 18th century to today.

Can visitors see work by famous fashion designers? Yes, the collection includes pieces by Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and Belgian designers such as Martin Margiela and Raf Simons.

How can I get to the museum? The museum is about 800 meters from Hasselt railway station, with a shuttle bus stop at "Thonissenlaan" just 100 meters from the entrance.