Information

Please note: Gaasbeek Castle is closed during winter. It is typically open from April through November. Please refer to the official website for current opening times.

Kasteel van Gaasbeek (Gaasbeek Castle), a medieval castle located 15 kilometers from Brussels, houses a varied collection of Dutch and Flemish art. Originally established around 1240 to defend the Duchy of Brabant, the castle has been renovated and rebuilt over the centuries, most notably by Louis Alexandre Scockaert de Tirimont in the eighteenth century. Historically held by prominent families—including Lamoral, Count of Egmont—the estate was donated to the Belgian state in 1921 by Marquise Marie Arconati Visconti and opened as a museum in 1924.

The museum’s holdings comprise approximately 2,200 objects of which 1,000 are on display, including furniture, paintings, tapestries, and silver. A cornerstone of the collection is the altarpiece Gertrude in Adoration of the Virgin and Child, attributed to Gerard Seghers, which has remained at the castle since 1637. A reproduction of the painting can be seen in the chapel, while the original is kept in storage for climate conditions as it awaits a possible return. Other significant paintings include The Tower of Babel by Maarten van Valckenborch and Archduchess Isabella Shooting the Jay, attributed to Antoon Sallaert.

The castle is also recognized for its sixteenth-century Southern Netherlandish tapestries. Highlights include a five-part Brussels series – of which three are displayed – depicting the story of Tobias and Sarah and a four-part Tournai series showing travelers.

Among the masterpieces of decorative art are two silver Ewers and Basins (1697–98) by Hermanus Coppens, presented by the States of Brabant to Louis Alexandre Scockaert following the Peace of Ryswick. These works are officially designated as Flemish Masterpieces (Topstukken) by the Flemish Community.