M For Museum Leuven

The centuries old university town of Leuven speaks to the imagination. It combines rich historical heritage with a lively Burgundian culture, and the dynamism of a modern city with a vibrant student scene. In the city’s convivial center you’ll find that the most interesting sights are all within walking distance of one another.

M, the new Museum Leuven, opened its doors in September 2009. The impressive, streamlined museum building, situated in the heart of the city, is a real eye-catcher. The complex as a whole, designed by renowned Belgian architect Stéphane Beel, integrates existing historical buildings with contemporary architecture built around a stately old oak in a peaceful interior court. From the roof of the museum, you have a splendid view of the city. A must-see on your journey of discovery in Leuven!

Be sure to visit the treasury of St. Peter’s Church as well, in one of the most beautiful examples of 15th-century Brabantine high gothic. The impressive ambulatory is furnished as a museum; the numerous sculptures, paintings and fine examples of the gold- and silversmith’s art form part of the M collection. 

Visit M

The varied permanent collection is built up around two major groups of objects. One is a unique collection of late-gothic paintings and sculptures. The second consists of 19th-century paintings and sculptures by various Flemish masters including Constantin Meunier, Jef Lambeaux and Georges Minne, to name only the most prominent.
In both periods, the production and collection of art in Leuven had reached a peak. The applied arts and absolute gems of printmaking and drawing are exhibited in the former museum Vander Kelen. The period rooms of the stately old townhouse have been restored to their original glory and take you centuries back in time.

Three major masterpieces in the M collection are the Edelheere Triptych, after Rogier van der Weyden, and The Last Supper and Martyrdom of St. Erasmus by Dieric Bouts. The latter hang in the treasury of St. Peter’s Church. But the absolute top is The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece by Rogier van der Weyden. This recently restored triptych is part of the collection of the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten in Antwerp, but is on loan to M for all to admire.

M is also a platform for discovering contemporary art. The combination of present and past is typical for the way M works: the museum offers a unique mix of old and new art. Temporary exhibitionsallow a multitude of disciplines, from painting and sculpture to photography, video, film, design and architecture to find their place in the museum. M is an exciting meeting place where there’s always something going on.

M To Measure

M offers a variety of programs that are made to measure – for the young to the not-so-young, for families and individual visitors, for groups and businesses. Discover the museum on your own with our audio guides, or with the concise visitor’s guide M in 60 min. Are you coming with a group? Reserve a guide who speaks your language. Specific questions? Mail bezoekm@leuven.be

Visit M with the kids on Family Sunday, the first Sunday of every month, or come to one of our evening activities on Thursdays. The temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection never fail to generate a variety of lectures, films, debates … there’s something for everyone.

• Audio guides available in EN, FR, NL and DE: € 2
• Visitors’ guide M in 60 min. in EN, FR and NL: € 2,5
• Groups (max. 25 persons): € 50 for the guide (EN, FR, NL, DE) + 1 ticket per person.

The exhibition agenda and related activities are posted at www.mleuven.be.

M More Than A Museum

Visitors to M can relax in the M-café, the interior court or the freely accessible antechamber. In the M-shop you will find background information about the permanent collection, exhibition catalogues and other art books, or a special gift. 

Information

M - Museum Leuven
Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28
B - 3000 Leuven
www.mleuven.be
T +32 (0)16 27 29 29

Open

• Tues-Sun: 11:00 to 18:00
• Thurs: 11:00 to 22:00.
• Closed Mondays, January 1, November 1 and December 25.

Tickets

• Price: € 9 / € 7
• Discount holders: € 7 / € 5
• Children under 13: free of charge

With a single ticket, you can visit the permanent collection, temporary exhibition(s) and the treasury of the St. Peter’s Church (located on the Grote Markt).

Arrangements through Toerisme Leuven: T + 32 (0)16 27 22 73
For guided tours of the city, daytrips and weekend arrangements, see www.visitleuven.be

Agenda 2010