The Vleeshuis, or ‘House of Meat’, is an imposing Gothic building in the heart of Antwerp, near the cathedral. Built between 1501 and 1504 by the architect Herman de Waghemakere, it served as a hall for butchers, who formed a powerful guild at the time. Its architecture is remarkable, alternating red brick and white stone in a pattern known as ‘bacon layers’, a reminder of the building's function. The guild managed the slaughter and sale of meat to guarantee quality and hygiene.
Today, the Vleeshuis houses the Museum Vleeshuis | Klank van de Stad (Sound of the City), dedicated to the musical and sound history of Antwerp. It features collections of instruments, organs and music archives, tracing the city's importance as a European musical centre from the 16th to the 18th century, particularly during the period when it attracted luthiers, organ builders and composers. Its unique atmosphere, combining stone, music and urban history, makes it an essential place to visit if you want to understand Antwerp's cultural wealth.
Source: Deepseek et Wikipedia
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