History & building
A YOUNG MUSEUM WITH AN OLD HISTORY
Moved, rebuilt, renewed, enriched: M’s history is eventful.
18th century cabinet of curiosities
M's roots lie in an 18th-century cabinet of curiosities in Leuven's town hall. From 1823, the collection was known as the Museum of Paintings, but it was only under city archivist Edward van Even (1821-1905) that it became a fully-fledged historical museum. Van Even and his successor Victor Demunter (1858-1939) expanded the collection considerably.
Municipal Museum Vander Kelen-Mertens
In 1917, Victor Vander Kelen donated his parental home to the city. Three years later, that became the Stedelijk Museum Vander Kelen-Mertens. The name refers to Victor's parents: Leopold Vander Kelen (1813-1895), a former mayor of Leuven, and his wife Maria Mertens (1816-1906).
The 20th century saw the museum collection grow and becoming increasingly diverse. The museum building was more than once extended. In the early 1990s, the salons of the Vander Kelen-Mertens House were restored and redesigned as historical period rooms.
New building, new zest
In the new millennium, the museum was given a new lease of life. Plans were made for a brand new building that was to incorporate the most valuable parts of the old complex. Architect Stéphane Beel did the design. After three years of renovation, the new museum opened its doors on 20 September 2009. With that comes a new name: M Leuven
Did you know that some rooms in the museum are available for hire? Indoors or outdoors, early in the morning or late in the evening, for small or large groups, with or without museum visit or snacks and drinks... We are happy to welcome you to M.
See M change
Want to find out how the museum complex has changed over the years? Watch it step-by-step!