As well as being proud of its rich history and World Heritage status, Bruges also has ambitious plans for the future; the ancient and the brand-new go hand-in-hand. Wandering past elegant city palaces during a lunchbreak, climbing the Belfort at dusk and gazing over the magical lights of the city from the roof terrace of the Concertgebouw. History and high-tech – a unique combination which you can only experience in Bruges.
The latest showpiece, which is currently under construction on ’t Zand, is the state-of-the-art Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre. This ground-breaking centre makes a bold statement whilst complementing the historic centre. The bright, airy exhibition centre is bathed in daylight. It is self-sufficient and offers 4,500 m² of space for exhibitions and fairs. The congress area can accommodate 514 people. All this in the heart of a World Heritage city, within a stone’s throw of the hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions - there is no need for shuttle buses.
Bruges has many more special venues to offer, too – the ancient Old St. John Site, the Provincial Court and Hof Bladelin (which housed the Florentine Medici bank during the 15th century), grand private locations and the imposing auditorium of the Concertgebouw, a modern architectural showpiece. The city is also working on a spectacular museum site with a brand new exhibition hall and a museum park. And every three years, the Bruges Triënnale brings contemporary art and architecture to the historic heart of the city. Because even a World Heritage city should never rest on its laurels!
