In Bruges today, the new exhibition 'The Closer to Memling Experience' has just opened in the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal in downtown Bruges. This new interactive exhibition sheds light on Hans Memling, a painter from the German electorate of Mainz that made the western city of Bruges his home. At the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal (St John’s Hospital) many of Hans Memling’s works are on show. Now, in the attic of the same museum a new exhibition has gone on show. Interactive and audiovisual applications allow both young and old to acquaint themselves with the works and figure of the Flemish primitive artist. Musea Brugge (Bruges Museums) are also launching the Closer to Memling city walk as well as a geocache game.
Discover Memling in Bruges thanks to the Memling Experience and a new city trail
Colin Clapson
Published:
Although art was in high demand in Bruges in the 15th century, the West Flemish capital lacked sufficient local painting talent. This explains how in the year 1465 Hans Memling arrived in Bruges, often dubbed the Venice of the North. The artist soon gained great renown thanks to his realistic painting techniques. The Museum Sint Janshospitaal’s Closer to Memling Experience offers a new opportunity to discover the artist and his work in a playful way that brings both children and adults closer to the artist.
A total experience with images, lights and sound
‘The aim of the Experience is to allow families, but also art lovers, to discover Memling and deepen their understanding of the artist’s work and life during their visit to the museum,’ explains Katrien Steelandt, e-culture coordinator at Musea Brugge. ‘On the ground level, visitors see Memling's works, upstairs, in the attic, we add a layer of enjoyment to his works.’ The eye-catcher in the medieval attic is a large screen, where everyone can let their creativity run wild. Four games allow visitors to add their own layers to Memling's artworks using a touchscreen. ‘We use high-resolution images of his paintings and create new compositions. This is how we create a new Memling.’
In addition to the images, light and sound are also part of the overall experience. Composer and pianist Frederik Neyrinck created a new musical composition especially for this project. It’s inspired by the music of Memling's day.
Discover Bruges through Memling's eyes
Musea Brugge has also launched the new Closer to Memling city walk. Visitors can download a map allowing them to visit the places where Memling lived and worked. This Heritage app allows you to listen to a story on every spot of the route.
The app also includes a chatbot, so you can ask Memling questions in person. You can also explore the city using Geocache. With the help of coordinates and riddles you can search for the missing elements of the Ursula Shrine, a kind of chest Memling made, which was used to store sacred relics.