Marquises Palace

Het Markiezenhof

The Marquises Palace (Het Markiezenhof) is one of the most beautiful examples of a late Gothic city palace to be found anywhere in Western Europe. It was built in the late 15th century by the famous Flemish master builders Anthonie and Rombout Keldermans as the residential palace of the Lords and Marquises of Bergen op Zoom.

Nowadays the Marquises Palace (Het Markiezenhof) is a museum that also houses the regional archives. The emphasis of the museum and archives is on the history of the town and region of Bergen op Zoom, and it also houses a museum showing the history of fairground attractions through the ages as well as a special exhibition of international political cartoons.

There is something for everyone at Het Markiezenhof. The halls are frequently used for recitals, concerts, theatrical performances and films. In addition to this it is also ‘the place to be’ for parties and weddings or congresses and business conferences.

The rooms of the town and region museum were re-designed in 2009. History and heritage are presented by means of a story that takes the visitor along:

• The history of the building and restoration of the complex
• The history of its noble residents
• Administration and jurisdiction through the ages
• The history of trade and fortifications of town and region
• The industrial history of the town
• The unique characteristics of Bergen op Zoom, such as carnival, processions and fishing for anchovy The history of the migration
• Lounge room with historic films

By taking a stroll around this expansive palace, with its many halls, chambers, galleries, stair-cases, courtyards and gardens, visitors will get some idea of the elegant lifestyle enjoyed by those who resided here in earlier times.

The collection of historical artefacts consists of paintings, furniture and ornamental implements and objects dating from the 15th century up to and including pieces from the 18th century. There is a particularly fascinating scale-model of Bergen op Zoom as it was at around 1747, showing the situation just before the besieging and capture of the town by the French. Another model shows the town in the year 1890 at the height of the industrial revolution.

These stories get an extra dimension from special light and sound effects and various audiovisual presentations on touch screens. There is even a holographic performance showing the wedding of a thirteen-year-old marchioness in the eighteenth century.

In 2008 the four 18th century period rooms were completely renovated.

More information:
Museum of fairground attractions
Museum of political cartoons
Building
Information Centre
Acquisitions
Exhibitions