- Address: Belgium, Bruges B-8000, Katelijnestraat 43.
- Phone: (+32 50) 34 20 56
- Website: http://www.diamondmuseum.be
- Working time: daily from 10: 30-17: 30
- Cost: adults - € 8, children and students - € 6, pensioners and groups - € 7
In the western part of Belgium is the city of Bruges , which is rightfully considered the oldest diamond capital in Europe. It is an industrial and cultural-historical center of the country. One of the main attractions of the village is the Diamant Museum.
This is a private institution, created by John Rosenhoe to preserve the skill of the diamond industry in the country. Here you can also get acquainted with the history of gem processing, from the medieval period to modern technologies. The basis of the exposition in the museum are unique ornaments that were created for the dukes of Burgundy in the fourteenth century. At that time, the city of Bruges was one of several centers for finishing these stones all over the world. It was here that local jeweler Ludwig van Burke came up with a new method for polishing diamonds, namely diamond polishing.
Processing of a precious stone
Diamant Museum provides a chance for its visitors to follow the whole path of this "king of stones" from the moment of its extraction in the mountains to the final result - cutting, polishing and turning into a beautiful decoration. The laboratory staff will deliver a lecture on eight properties of diamond: purity, weight, diameter, shape, color, roughness, thermal conductivity and brightness, and will conduct diamond research on practical experience. At the same time, the guests of the museum will be able to experience the features of the diamond with their own hands. It will be interesting and informative for every visitor.
Everyone wants to get a diamond from diamond, and this is not a simple matter. Since this form of carbon is quite hard, then you can process the diamond only with another diamond. It is about this process that the exhibition narrates. The first hall meets guests with a story about what a diamond is and how it is mined. This is the world of kimberlite pipes, ancient geology, and also the history of the discovery of the deposit of precious stones.
Diamond polishing show at the Diamond Museum in Bruges
After that, visitors will not only be told, but also will show the process of diamond cutting. Here, those who wish can discover all the secrets of the mysterious world of diamonds and learn how to process stones. With the help of special equipment, a diamond is born in front of the enchanted audience. Unprocessed stones are sawed, picked up by their shape, and also polished already finished product.
This happens during the so-called "diamond polishing show". Classes are held daily, twice a day: at 12.00 and 15.00. This training makes the museum in Bruges one of the leading educational institutions in the diamond sphere. Here, too, classes are held for children of different school age: the first group trains boys from seven to twelve years old, and in the second group - thirteen-eighteen. The number of seats is limited, if you want to register in advance, then on the official site it is worth filling in and applying. For those wishing to attend classes with friends, there is a group reservation of places, which is possible from twenty people.
Exhibitions and Expositions
After this, it's time to admire the finished jewelry and get acquainted with the history of diamonds. It tells about the development of the country's diamond industry: the transportation of rough precious stones from the colonies of Africa, the masters of that time, produced various products. Naturally, you will be told about innovations, traditions, and also about innovative technologies in this field of activity.
On the territory of the Museum of Diamonds in Bruges there are temporary exhibitions, which cover all possible aspects of the diamond world. Copies and images of the most famous products are stored here. Visitors will be able to appreciate the amazing play of light and the geometric perfection of precious stones that were created in the city.
To the tourist on a note
From the city center to the Diamond Museum in Bruges, you can take the number 1 or 93 bus to Brugge Begijnhof. Also here you will reach by taxi or car.
Diamant Museum operates every day, except public holidays, from 10:30 to 17:30. The price of admission without a diamond show is 8 euro for adults, 7 euro for pensioners and students and 6 euro for children. If you wish to visit a diamond polishing show, the ticket price will be 10 euro for adults and 8 euro for children under twelve.
| | |
| | |
