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Queen Mathilde shows support for art tourism in Bruges

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians has visited Bruges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in her country, as it begins to open up again following closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Queen Mathilde heard about the impact lockdown has had and how organisations in the city plan to rebuild in the coming months.

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The Belgian queen spent time at some of the best known destinations in the city. She visited the Groeningemuseum where exhibits cover six hundred years of art. Queen Mathilde was given a tour of a special exhibition celebrating the work of Jan van Eyck which had been the museum’s main focus this year. Van Eyck 2020 was just getting under way when the museum, like galleries across Belgium, had to close because of the coronavirus pandemic. Mathilde, wearing a face mask, was told about measures put in place to bring visitors back while stopping any further spread of the virus.

From there, the Queen of the Belgians walked through the pretty Arentshof area to reach the Gruuthusemuseum. Mathilde was shown the result of restoration work which has been going on for several years as well as the exhibitions.

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The day ended with a chat with representatives from the hospitality sector. Queen Mathilde took coffee with them at a recently reopened terrace cafe and heard about the challenges they’ve faced as their business was curtailed by the pandemic.

Bruges museums are open for business again but visitors must book in advance. More information can be found on the official website.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.