Ghent - Bijlokemuseum (temporarily closed) 
The Bijlokemuseum is situated on the far west side of the Leie in the Godshuizenlaan. It occupies the mainly brick buildings of the Cistercian abbey of Bijloke, founded at the same time as the hospital. The museum (Museum van Oudheden) is one of the richest of its kind in Belgium and shows remarkable ancient pieces in a unique historical setting. The numerous rooms contain works in glass, metal, pottery, leather, together with jewelry, weapons and paintings.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
Bijlokemuseum (temporarily closed)
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Things to See
Armenkamer
The Armenkamer is a reproduction, true to the original, of the meeting room of this society (Governors of the Poor House), founded in 1531 by Charles V in the town hall. A painting by Jan van Cleef depicts the ruler at the founding ceremony.
Bijlokemuseum Refectory 
Outstanding centerpoint is the 14th C. refectory, 31m/101ft long and almost 14m/46ft high, with an exceptional brick gable. The interior walls are painted with frescoes (around 1325), among which is a 10m-long painting of the Last Supper. In the center of the room is the tomb of the castellan Hugo II of Ghent, who died in 1232.
Gildensaal
The former dormitory contains mainly artifacts of the Ghent guilds: coats-of-arms, insignia and procession lanterns.
The House of the Abbess is beautifully furnished with historic furniture. It contains the Ghent communal hall with the attractive silver insignia of Ghent music societies from the 15th-18th C.
The House of the Abbess is beautifully furnished with historic furniture. It contains the Ghent communal hall with the attractive silver insignia of Ghent music societies from the 15th-18th C.
