Erasmus House & the Beguinage of Anderlecht

The Erasmus House

The Erasmus House is one of the oldest Gothic houses in Brussels. Erasmus, ​“Prince of the Humanists”, stayed in it from May to October 1521. It hosts a collection of paintings and prints by such 15^th-17^th century masters as Albrecht Dürer, Hugo Van der Goes, Cornelis Metsys, and others, as well as portraits of Erasmus inspired by Hans Holbein and Quentin Metsys. Its sculptures attest to the skill of the 16^th century artists of the Rhine Valley and Southern Low Countries. A rich collection of 16^th century books follows this singular humanist’s thinking, which has left a deep stamp on European civilization.

A Garden of Simples, designed by the landscape architect René Pechère along the lines of the mediaeval walled garden, surrounds the house. It boasts some 100 medicinal plants known to 16^th century physicians. Beyond it stretches a Philosophical Garden that harbours the works of contemporary artists such as Marie-Jo Lafontaine and Bob Verschueren. 

The Beguinage of Anderlecht

The Beguinage of Anderlecht is the smallest beguinage in Belgium. It was founded in 1252 and today consists of two wings framing an enclosed garden with its own well. It took in beguines (women in a secular religious community) until the French Revolution and then served as a hospice and housing for indigent women until it closed in 1928.

The beguinage has been restored in depth and is once again open to visitors! A new museum project is currently in the pipeline and will be finalised in autumn 2023.

The beguinage has been restored in depth and is once again open to visitors each 1^st Sunday of the month with guided tours. A new museum project is currently in the pipeline. Discover this entirely restored architectural jewel in a pristine state.

Beguinage’s address:

Rue du Chapelain 8, 1070 Anderlecht