The building was constructed between 1526 and 1537 by architect Hendrik Pede.
The belfry is topped by a statue of 'Hanske de Krijger', the traditional mascot of the city.
Oudenaarde tapestries are recognizable by their distinctively dense, verdure-heavy foliage designs.
The collection includes silver pieces commissioned by wealthy merchant families that once dominated the regional textile trade.
Museum Oudenaarde and the Flemish Ardennes (MOU) is housed within the late Gothic Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate facade and 30-meter high belfry. The museum is primarily dedicated to the history of Oudenaarde, focusing on its global reputation as a center for tapestry weaving during the 16th and 17th centuries. Visitors can view a collection of these rare historical tapestries, which feature intricate detail and unique border designs. The MOU also functions as the silver museum for the region, showcasing significant examples of Flemish silverware. Exhibits cover the transition of the city from a strategic river fortress to a center of textile production. The site integrates interactive multimedia displays to explain the evolution of the Flemish Ardennes landscape. The museum is managed by the city and serves as a central repository for civic heritage and archival documents.
The view of the Grote Markt from the upper windows of the town hall.
Combine your museum visit with a walk around the adjacent Grote Markt square.
Check the museum website for temporary exhibitions that often rotate through the upper galleries.
Use the provided audio guides to better understand the iconography within the tapestry weaves.
Don't mistake the town hall facade for the entrance; follow the signs for the museum entrance located inside the building complex.
Closed on Mondays.
