Vleeshuis- Butchers' Hall

With a history spanning around 500 years, the Butchers’ Hall is one of the oldest public buildings in the city. Until the French Revolution, Antwerp’s butchers formed the oldest guild, or merchant association, in the Flemish city. To help them carry out their trade, several buildings were constructed for them starting in 1250. In the early 16th century, this impressive Gothic-style building was erected, funded by the guild itself. Twice the size of its predecessors, the Butchers’ Hall served as both the headquarters for the meat merchants and a market hall where meat from animals slaughtered in nearby streets was sold. After guilds were abolished under French occupation in the 18th century, the building was sold and gradually repurposed as a wine warehouse, theater, painting studio, and more. Today, this beautiful brick and sandstone example of architecture houses a wonderful museum celebrating 600 years of the sounds, music, and dance that have shaped the lives of Antwerp’s people.