The former Cloth Hall is a jewel of Flemish medieval architecture, built in the graceful setting of the Grand Market Square. In the City Hall, you can admire the splendid interior and numerous paintings from the Dendermonde school of painting.
A visit to the City Hall and the Cloth Hall is completely free! Or climb the 109 steps of the Belfry and be rewarded with a unique view over Dendermonde. A ticket for the Belfry costs only €2.
The City Hall is part of the Open Monumenten network of Herita.
Dendermonde is filled with beautiful historic buildings. But the true jewel, the one every local is proud of, is the City Hall, the landmark of the Grand Market Square. Its construction was completed around 1350 and enhanced with a Belfry in 1377.
In the mid-16th century, the building underwent several alterations. In the second quarter of the 19th century, a monumental extension was added on the side of the Vismarkt and the Dender, featuring plastered façades in neoclassical style.
In 1999, the Belfry of the City Hall was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Since the 16th century, the Belfry has housed a carillon.
Step inside for free!
Did you know you can visit the City Hall completely free of charge? Take the grand elegant staircase, walk through the large brown gate and discover this gem!
Be enchanted by the many historic rooms such as the Wedding Hall, the Aldermen’s Chamber and the Mayor’s Cabinet. These rooms are still used daily for ceremonies and meetings. But you can also explore the art collection of the Dendermonde School of Painting, admire the armours of the Four Sons of Aymon and even come face to face with a miniature version of the Ros Beiaard. Let yourself be captivated by the grandeur of the Town Hall!
Fine Arts
On the first floor of the City Hall, you can explore a fascinating art collection. The first steps towards a ‘Museum of Fine Arts’ were taken in 1875, when the city purchased several paintings by Charles Hermans, Jan Verhas, Adrien Heymans, Jacques Rosseels, Joseph Théodore Coosemans and Franz Vinck. Afterwards, the collection was expanded at regular intervals.
With the exception of a few portraits and historical works by Frans and Jan Verhas, Piet Vander Ouderaa, Pieter Frans De Beule and Henry De Noble, most of the paintings belong to the ‘Dendermonde School’, an artistic movement whose painters mainly specialized in landscape art.
An impressive setting
The City Hall and the Grand Market Square are not just monuments – they form the beating heart of Dendermonde. Their historic splendour shines from every façade. But don’t be mistaken: these jewels are still full of life today!
Day in, day out, the Grand Market Square is the stage for celebration and experience. Think of the grand finales of the legendary Ros Beiaard procession and the giant parade Katuit, both of which end on this iconic square. Events such as Taptoe, the Wildeman run and many other activities also bring the square and the City Hall to life.
HIDOC Dendermonde
Destruction
On 17 September 1914, the City Hall fell victim to the destruction of the city. Only the outer walls were spared. The spire of the Belfry and the 40 bells of the carillon collapsed onto the Grand Market Square. Except for a few valuable paintings, nothing could be saved. The entire city archive was also destroyed. The City Hall was rebuilt between 1920 and 1924 under the direction of architects A. Sterck and F. De Ruddere.
In 2015–2016, the Cloth Hall underwent a thorough restoration. It was transformed into a new tourist visitor centre.
Heraldic Flags
Since 21 July 1957, eleven heraldic flags have been displayed on the City Hall façade during the summer. They represent the rulers of our city.
To the left of the Belfry: Robert VII of Bethune and Dendermonde, Robert of Bethune, William of Crèvecoeur, Ingelram of Amboise, Count Louis of Male.
To the right of the Belfry: Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, Philip the Good + Charles the Bold + Mary of Burgundy, Margaret of York (the wife of Charles the Bold), Philip the Fair and Emperor Charles V.
