History:
M – Museum Leuven continues the municipal museum operations that started in the early 19th century. In 1823, the first museum was founded on the second floor of the Leuven City Hall. About one century later, the collection was moved to the former private residence of the mayor Leopold Vander Kelen in the historic center of Leuven. This location is now the principal exhibition space of M Museum.
Before it was opened in 2009, the M Museum building was renovated after a design by Belgian architect Stéphane Beel. The design integrates historical features and sleek contemporary architecture around a pretty courtyard. The total area of the museum is 13,500 square meters.
In addition to its exhibition space, the museum building houses the M-café, the M-shop, an auditorium, a children’s workshop, a courtyard and workshop spaces.