My sister and I, both lovers of medieval/Renaissance art, are looking for a tour that would allow us to see the great paintings in Belgium — particularly the Ghent Altarpiece, before someone steals it again. (Honestly, that painting has been stolen so many times over the centuries — but I digress.). Neither of us feels like doing a lot of planning, and we’re not looking to try the best restaurants or most elegant hotels, so a pre-planned tour with a well-informed leader seems right for us. We’re not looking for luxury, although after a particularly harrowing week in Prague years ago, my sister insists on accommodations with an en suite toilet, and a shower would be nice as well. I would be very grateful for any suggestions. Thanks.
Posted by
985 posts
We just did the Rick Steves Belgium and Netherlands Tour. We had a wonderful guide and it was a great trip.
It's not specifically an "art focused" tour, but we sure saw a lot of art...
including the Ghent Altarpiece (which has likely little chance of getting stolen now.) with all the time to linger and admire that you want. As you make your way to the Altarpiece, there is a huge Rubens that many forget to look up for. And there is a lot of other art to see there in the cathedral as well. We also saw The Madonna of Bruges. Had free time to take the train to The Mauritshuis in The Hague. Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam with all the free time you want to stay after the guided tour.
Lots of other interesting things other than art to see and do on the tour. And of course lovely accommodations.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
518 posts
I don't have any tour information but if you end up planning it yourself -- which I think will be pretty easy -- here is a book that I found helpful: "149 Paintings You Really Should See in Europe — The Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden Kindle Edition" by Julien Porter. I got a library ebook last year when I traveled in Belgium and the Netherlands. (I think the 149 are not just for these countries.) I see it is now $3.99 on amazon. I don't necessarily agree with Porter that his choices are the only or best paintings to see but I found the descriptions of the museums, galleries and churches, as well as the specific paintings a nice guide. It may give you ideas of what to see both on and off the beaten path. The RS Belgium book will also be helpful.
In addition to the Ghent altarpiece, for art, I visited the MSK and SMAK museums in Ghent. In Bruges, I went to the Groeninge Museum and the nearby church with the Michelangelo sculpture. In Antwerp, I saw the Rubens in Our Lady church. There is much more art to see in Antwerp that I didn't get to and I did not go to Brussels.
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
42 posts
You must visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels. It is a complex of museums including one devoted to the Old Masters. There is also an excellent museum of Magritte's works there (I know this doesn't speak to your interests but part of the same museum). If you want to stay close by, there is an NH hotel in the Place du Grand Sablon that is really nice, and in a great area.
Most of the really old architecture is gone or rebuilt - the Grand' Place was bombed in 1695 and rebuilt - but I would suggest getting a private guide to do an architecture walking tour with you. There are maps of walking tours you can buy and tours by ARAU which focus on Art Nouveau (again, not specifically what you requested but this is the predominant style in the suburbs). Those tours happen occasionally as they are more for interested locals who want to preserve the history (so much has been lost), but are worthwhile. Antwerp also has well-preserved neighbourhoods of Art Nouveau.
Lavandula