Lace Center Museum, Bruges

The Lace Center Museum or Kantcentrum preserves and promotes the traditional art of lace making in Bruges. The entrance to the center is next to the landmark Jerusalem Church in the city.

The Flemish artisans of Bruges and Ghent developed the art of making lace by hand in Europe. The center was established by the Sisters Apostoline in Bruges. It was popularized by Queen Joan of Navarre who promoted lace making in France after a visit to Bruges and Ghent. The center is a combination of a workshop, museum and store. The ancient art that has been handed down from generation to generation is taught to locals and visitors at the workshop.

The Kantcentrum museum is dedicated to the history of lace making in Belgium. The permanent exhibition displays a variety of lace and explains the technique behind their creation. Specialty laces made here are the Rozenkant, Bloemenwerk and Toversesteek. Between 2 pm and 5 pm on weekdays, tourists are taught to make lace at the workshop. The gift shop sells souvenirs like postcards depicting the craft of lace making or lace patterns and designs, doilies, handkerchiefs and wine cozies for visitors to take home as mementoes of their lace and lace making experience in Bruges.