Flemish tapestries

Flanders has a rich tradition of tapestry making. It all started in the 13th century, and is still part of our cultural heritage today. Learn more about its history, discover what makes Flemish tapestries unique and browse through the online library and database.

Most of the tapestries have religious, mythological and historical subjects as well as hunting and harvest scenes. They are known for their high quality and extended use of colours. The oldest ones were made in the 13th century. The most important production centres were Doornik and Arras. These two centres got a lot of assignments of the Dukes of Burgundy. In the 14th century tapestries were also made in Bruges, Oudenaarde and Ghent. In the 16th century Brussels and Antwerp became important. Antwerp was also the distribution centre for the rest of Europe. In the 17th century the popularity faded and in the 18th century the making of tapestries in Flanders stopped.
