The Master Tour: your connecting thread from place to place

Descent from the Cross - Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp

The places where Flemish Masters can be found are not islands in themselves. On the contrary, a wonderful connecting thread hangs between numerous destinations. The Golden River, for example, the nickname of the River Lys. Or a sea of mother-of-pearl, as James Ensor once described the North Sea.

On these pages you discover what connections there are between the different places. And the connecting thread will serve as a guide for your fascinating journey, in the footsteps of the Masters. 

Choose your Master Tour from place to place

A serene landscape with a narrow path alongside a calm river, bordered by blossoming trees. In the distance, quaint houses and a church steeple are visible. The scene evokes tranquility and rural charm.

Masters by the Lys

How did Sint-Martens-Latem become a centre of symbolism, impressionism and expressionism? Find out during your walk, bike ride or boat trip.
Rocky shoreline and gentle sea waves lead to a cityscape of high-rise buildings under a clear blue sky, conveying a serene coastal setting.
Visit Oostende

Masters by the sea

Ensor, Spilliaert, Delvaux and Permeke: they all listened to the lure of the waves. Stroll past museums, artists’ homes and churches, enjoying the salty sea.
Intricate white plaster relief on a domed ceiling depicts a dynamic battle scene, conveying a sense of movement and drama against a bright background.

Masters from Mechelen and More

The Iconoclasm is a grim chapter in the history of Flanders. Mechelen witnessed the destruction of many churches and monasteries.
A serene canal scene in Bruges; swans glide on the water, lined by historic, charming European buildings under a cloudy sky. Tranquil atmosphere.
Visit Bruges - Jan Darthet

Master Tour Bruges

For centuries now, Bruges has been one of Europe’s most important cities.
Visitors admire a large, detailed multi-panel painting in a cathedral, surrounded by colorful stained glass windows, creating a reverent atmosphere.
© Piet De Kersgieter

Master Tour Ghent

This Master Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through time.
Two medieval stone towers flank a bridge over a calm river at sunrise. The scene radiates tranquility, with soft sunlight reflecting on the water.
Toerisme Leiestreek vzw

Master Tour Kortrijk

Flemish masterpieces in medieval churches in the middle of a historic centre? Check. Contemporary architecture, modern art and innovative design?
A historical painting depicting the nativity scene. Mary, in a red and blue robe, holds baby Jesus. Several figures offer gifts, dressed in rich, colorful garments. The setting is warm, with dim lighting and a reverent, serene mood.
Christophe Ketels

Master Tour Theodoor van Loon

Even though the name Theodoor van Loon does not resonate like those of Rubens or van Dyck, the baroque painter left behind some astounding masterpieces.
A portrait of a man with a beard and mustache, wearing a large black hat and dark clothing with a white collar. The expression is calm and composed.
FOTO NA RESTAURATIE_9_Peter Paul Rubens, Zelfportret, Rubenshuis Antwerpen, opname 12 april 2018, na restauratie KIK-IRPA, foto KIK-IRPA Brussel

Master Tour Peter Paul Rubens: the genius of Antwerp

Artist, marketer, scientist, diplomat and family man. Rubens was an extraordinary talent, but also an ordinary man.

Master Series

Flemish Masters come in many forms. You'll notice that on this page, as you'll get to know three completely different sets of masterpieces that can be found at different locations throughout Flanders. Yet for all its diversity, that trio is linked by an almost unbreakable thread. You see, all three of them bear witness to sublime Flemish craftsmanship spanning a period from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Interior of a church with ornate stained glass windows, decorative wall panels, and elaborate altar. Rows of wooden chairs create a serene atmosphere.
Jean Housen - CC Wikimedia

Reliquaries

This Master Series is actually based on a two thousand-year-old tradition – the veneration of relics. Numerous churches and monasteries in Flanders.
Two people rest on a bench under a tree beside a small brick chapel in a rural landscape. Bicycles are parked nearby. The scene conveys relaxation.
Westtoer

Artists’ homes

That makes the Flemish Masters in situ so unique: you admire the works in the place where the artist created them.