Le Salon de Léon thrives at Bruges’ historic Military Chapel

After years without a public purpose, the historic Military Chapel in Bruges reopened its doors in May 2026 to give Le Salon de Léon a new home.

More than a traditional gallery, Le Salon de Léon brings together art, antiques and collectible design in an eclectic and carefully curated dialogue. 

The monumental yet intimate character of the chapel — with its stained-glass windows and remarkable natural light — forms an essential part of the experience. The ambition is not only to present a collection, but also to reopen this hidden architectural gem to the wider public.

Alongside the permanent presentation, Le Salon de Léon organizes a series of temporary thematic exhibitions throughout the year. 

The first one was dedicated to Antoon De Clerck (1923–2001), a close friend and studio companion of Roger Raveel. The new temporary exhibition presents a collection of unique furniture pieces by André Verroken (Oudenaarde, 1939 – Ronse, 2020), one of Flanders' most celebrated furniture designers. 

He was recognised with not one but two Henry van de Velde Awards: Best Product in 1994 and the Career Award in 2002. The prestigious Design Museum Gent - which soon reopens its doors - holds his work in its permanent collection and has fully digitised his archives.

The pieces on display in our gallery come directly from Verroken's widow, Arlette Gesquiere. They were shown publicly only once: over twenty years ago, in a duo exhibition with the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, an artist Verroken deeply admired and whose monumental vision profoundly shaped his own work. Until now. 

To be discovered and for sale in our gallery.