Belgian Museum 
of Freemasonry

 

Intentions

The Belgian Museum of Freemasonry aims to preserve and exhibit artifacts and documents from a rich past. The museum houses an important collection of masonic objects, documents and books from the 18th century till now, each carrying a different symbolic meaning relative to its origins.

Freemasonry is shown in an objective way, with the intention of doing away with the myths that surround it. The main intention of the museum is to encourage each visitor to reflect on the fundamental ideas of freemasonry. It also tries to make its visitors understand the masonic method.

The fact that the general public has access to a permanent exhibition illustrates the openness of an organization, which is well known for its discretion.
 

 
History

In 1833 Pierre-Theodore Verhaeghen founded the museum of the lodge les Amis Philanthropiques in Brussels. We do not know exactly what became of this museum.

150 years later, in 1984, the Grand Orient of Belgium breathed new life into the idea of establishing a masonic museum. In 1985 an exhibition hall was officially opened. Only members of the GOB were admitted. 

In 1989 Les Amis du Musée Maçonnique, a non-profit-making organisation, was created. Other obediences were involved. 

In 1993 the “Freemasonry in Europe from the 18th century till now” exhibition was set up in the Brussels Town Hall. 

Following the great public interest, the “Friends of the Museum” organization proposed opening the masonic museum to the general public. The contents of the museum were revised in order to establish a real “Museum of Freemasonry”, which would send a clear message to its visitors.

opposite: Master Mason’s apron on skin in the shape of a shield (end 18th - beginning 19th century). Click on the image to increase its size.

 

left: plate (Creil - Marly Empire) illustrating a festive board

right: pontoon miniature (early 19th century) made out of hair, representing a tracing board
 

Click on an image to increase its size.

 

Access

Address: Rue de Laeken / Lakense straat 79, 1000 Brussels

Visiting hours: Thursday afternoons from 2 till 5 o’clock
Closed : bank holidays

Entrance : 2 Euros

Guided visits:
- by appointment : Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3.30
- 45 euros per visit for groups of maximum 15 people

Information:
Telephone & fax +32 2 223 06 04

opposite: Master Mason’s jewel (19th century)

 
Supporting the museum

The Belgian Museum of Freemasonry is a non-profit-making organization. It can only survive thanks to the generosity of its members and sponsors. The contributions from other generous people, companies and foundations have allowed the museum to realize numerous long-term projects.

To extend and improve the museum we need help more than ever. We would already like to express our gratitude to our members and donors for their generosity and enthusiasm. We hope to be able to add new names to the list of the members and financial supporters of our museum.
 

The Belgian Museum of Freemasonry is a member of AMMLA – Association of Masonic Museums, Libraries and Archives. 

 

 

opposite: masonic apron of Rose Croix degree (19th century)

Click on the image to increase its size.