Stadsmuseum De Hofstadt

Stadsmuseum De Hofstadt is the municipal museum of the Belgian town of Diest, tucked away in the cellars of the town hall on the Grote Markt. These vaulted medieval spaces are more than just a basement — they are the only surviving remnants of three separate buildings that once stood on this exact spot.

What used to stand where the town hall stands now?

The current town hall of Diest was built on the site of three distinct structures: De Hofstadt, the residence of the lords of Diest; the medieval town hall itself; and De Oord, a corner house. When these buildings were eventually replaced by newer construction, their foundations and vaulted cellars survived underground — and it is precisely these spaces that now house the museum's exhibition rooms. The museum takes its name directly from the oldest of the three, the De Hofstadt palace.

What can visitors see in the collection?

The collection at Stadsmuseum De Hofstadt brings together art, craftsmanship and objects tied to the town's local history. Among the exhibits are furniture, a portrait and a suit of armor belonging to Philip William of Orange, as well as work by local artisans, including silverware produced by the guilds that were once active in Diest. Paintings occupy a special place in the collection: a work by Theodoor van Loon, and "The Annunciation" (1629) by Hendrick ter Brugghen, one of the leading painters of the Utrecht school — regarded as the museum's Flemish masterpiece. Also worth seeking out is the double portrait of René van Chalon and his wife Anna van Lotharingen, a fifteenth-century chandelier, and two enclosed seventeenth-century courtyards that form part of the visit.

Why visit the cellars of the town hall?

The architecture of the interior itself — Gothic vaulting, stone arches and the raw, medieval character of the rooms — is just as compelling as the objects on display. A visit to the museum is therefore not only an encounter with the art and craftsmanship of historic Diest, but also with a physical fragment of centuries-old construction that has survived despite repeated rebuilding of the town center.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the museum located? Stadsmuseum De Hofstadt occupies the cellars of the town hall on the Grote Markt in Diest.

What is the museum's main highlight? "The Annunciation" by Hendrick ter Brugghen, painted in 1629, is considered the Flemish masterpiece of the collection.

What are the opening hours? The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 to 17:00, and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 13:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Monday and Wednesday.

Where does the museum's name come from? The name comes from De Hofstadt, the former palace of the lords of Diest — one of the three historic buildings whose remains now form the museum's interior.