Church of Our Lady (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Church of Our Lady?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Kids under 13 enter free and the digital art hunt keeps them engaged, yet they must stay quiet in a sacred space and the absence of toilets means every bathroom break requires leaving the church.
Positives:
- Free entry for kids: Children under 13 enter the church and museum section for free with a paying adult.
- Stroller and wheelchair access: Ramped entrances and wide aisles make it easy to navigate with a stroller.
Challenges:
- No restrooms inside: There are no toilets or baby-changing facilities within the church building.
- Interior remains cool: Stone walls keep the space cold; pack a light jacket even in summer.
What is Church of Our Lady?
- A 13th-century Gothic church constructed of red brick, topped by a 122-metre spire that ranks as Europe’s tallest brick church tower
- A repository of medieval Burgundian art and funerary monuments, featuring the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy
- Home to Michelangelo’s white marble “Madonna of Bruges,” the only work by the artist to leave Italy during his lifetime
What is so special about Church of Our Lady for with kids?
- Free entry for children under 13 lets families save on admission.
- Interactive scavenger hunt keeps kids engaged with art and architecture.
- Gothic nave and stained-glass windows offer a hands-on exploration.
- View the famous Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Bruges’ in the southern chapel.
- Ramped access allows easy stroller navigation through the church.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the church, Michelangelo’s Madonna, and the kids’ scavenger hunt without rush.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Church of Our Lady
Interactive art scavenger hunt:
Use the MB Explorer app to turn artworks into a game.
Tip: Download and charge your device before entry; use QR codes near each piece.
See Michelangelo’s Madonna:
Visit the southern chapel to view the white marble ‘Madonna of Bruges’.
Tip: Read the quick facts in the digital guide to share the sculptor’s story with kids.
Explore the Gothic nave:
Wander under vaulted brick arches and stained-glass windows.
Tip: Count window panels as you walk to keep children engaged.
Discover the Dukes’ tombs:
Find the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy behind the altar.
Tip: Tell a simple story about their history to make it memorable for kids.
Family photo at Simon Stevinplein:
Step outside to the square for pictures against the 122 m brick tower.
Tip: Visit in late afternoon for softer light and fewer shadows.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Church of Our Lady
- Visit at opening: Arrive at 10 AM to enjoy quieter galleries and shorter lines.
- Use MB Explorer offline: Download the app and content before arriving to avoid spotty Wi-Fi.
- Plan restroom breaks: Stop at nearby public restrooms before entering to avoid needing facilities inside.
Reviews of Church of Our Lady
Supakij Khomvilai
Beautiful church. Peaceful when you visit. Nice well maintained architecture. No ticket needed. Good place to take photo of whole church are on the museum close by. Enjoy !
Bird
Stepping inside this church is an awe-inspiring experience. The scale of the architecture is simply breathtaking, with soaring ceilings and a real sense of historic grandeur. The church is filled with incredible works of art, from masterpiece paintings to intricate sculptures. The stained-glass windows are particularly beautiful, filling the space with colored light and creating a truly peaceful a...
Richard Torbett
This is a must-see see church when visiting Bruges. The church is famous for housing a Michelangelo sculpture of Madonna with child. Entrance into the church is free but you have to purchase a ticket to view the sculpture. The church tower is the tallest structure in the city and 3rd tallest brick tower in the world. Take time to admire the flying butresses that support the massive tower.
Dad
Amazing artwork - paintings, exquisitely carved wooden pulpit and confessionals and the treasure of Bruges, Madonna and Child. Worth every penny to get into the paid area. Even if you are not strongly religious, the artwork is awe inspiring and worth it for the history and the beauty.
Pearly Joan
A trip to Bruges usually conjures images of colourful centuries old buildings, the most popular of which are found in The Markt or Market Square. However, for my 2nd visit to the city, I requested a friend to bring me to the statue of the "Madonna of Bruges" located in the Church of Our Lady. This Michelangelo sculpture was prominently featured in the movie "Monuments Men" as one of the art treas...
When is the best time to visit Church of Our Lady (Bruges, Belgium)?
In summer, arrive early to avoid queues and bring water. In winter, the interior stays cool; wear layers. In spring and fall, combine your visit with a canal walk for fresh air.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets for museum section (2) | EUR 16 |
| Digital guide via QR code | EUR 0 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 16 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Church of Our Lady
Address: Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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About Church of Our Lady
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+32 50 34 53 14Average price
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