Mission and vision

Our story

Robin Van Acker

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Our story

Visual culture then and now

This is M

Proud of its roots and collection, M dares to experiment. The combination of contemporary art and old masters makes the museum unique in Flanders. Visual culture then and now, all under one roof.

M & the M-Treasury of Saint Peter’s

More than a museum

Veerle Ausloos

M & the M-Treasury of Saint Peter’s

More than a museum

M is notable for its mix of classical and contemporary art in the historic centre of Leuven. Top architect Stéphane Beel designed the sleek museum complex around the old Vanderkelen-Mertens municipal museum. The museum is also an ideal meeting place for young and old, complete with a central courtyard and a roof terrace offering spectacular views across the Leuven skyline. Add to all this the M-Treasury of Saint Peter’s, and a visit to M is always an unforgettable experience.

The M-collection

The heart of M

M-Museum Leuven

The M-collection

The heart of M

The collection of more than 52,500 objects is the beating heart of M. In addition to artistic production in Leuven and Brabant from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, there is also a central focus on post-1945 Belgian art. Time and again, you will discover the art of art collecting. From medieval sculpture and glittering silver to masterpieces by Dirk Bouts, Jef Lambeaux, Constantin Meunier and Rogier Van der Weyden. The temporary exhibitions will also introduce you to lesser-known pieces in the collection.

Contemporary art

Today’s talent

Joeri Thiry

Contemporary art

Today’s talent

In addition to the contemporary visual arts, such as photography, video, painting and sculpture, you can also discover performance, dance and architecture. Each discipline is given space at M and this means that there is always something different and exciting going on. Moreover, as a creative hotspot, the museum seeks encounter and exchange: with visitors, companies, artists, researchers, etc.

M in figures

Total surface area of the museum: 13,500 m²
Storage space: 2,000 m2
Exhibition space: 6,500 m²
The M-collection contains more than 52,500 objects

Our mission

M is a museum and visual arts platform for and by people, which makes meaningful connections throughout time, with society and between artistic disciplines. M pursues its international ambitions from within the knowledge-based city of Leuven.

With whom?

M was founded and is subsidized by the City of Leuven, with the legal status of an Autonomous Municipal Company. Moreover, the museum is recognized by the Heritage and Arts Decree of the Flemish Government. The museum actively mobilizes its collection. In addition to fulfilling its foundational responsibilities such as collecting, preserving, researching and disclosing the collection, the museum plays an important role in the contemporary arts scene.