Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In 2025, Hasselt City Museums drew 66,851 visitors. The Jenever Museum led with 31,847, the Fashion Museum 20,585, Stadsmus 14,963. Alderman Karolien Mondelaers highlighted quality, experience, and collaboration.
As VRT News reported, the Hasselt City Museums received 66,851 visitors in 2025. The Jenever Museum was the most visited, attracting 31,847 people. This number is slightly lower than last year but still above 30,000. Exhibitions like “Bottles ’n Borrels” and “Jenever en ZOO” combined the city’s historical heritage with modern art.
How many visitors did Hasselt city museums attract in 2025 Mondelaers?
The museum also hosted the Jenever Festival, which drew nearly 10,000 visitors. Smaller events, including concerts and workshops, were added to the year-round program. The museum took steps to promote sustainability with new solar panels on the roof. It also ran workshops to teach young people about responsible alcohol use.
The Hasselt Fashion Museum saw strong growth in 2025. It welcomed 20,585 visitors, a 15% increase compared to 2024. The rise is linked to popular exhibitions such as “M&Others” and “Rococo Reboot!”. The museum also offered extra workshops and events. The new Fashion & Design Hasselt initiative added to its appeal.
The Stadsmus received 14,963 visitors, fewer than during the Virga Jesse year. Shows like “Draad” (Wire) and “Century, 100 Years of the Windmolenveld Garden District” worked closely with neighbourhoods, associations, and local partners. Lectures, tastings, and heritage activities also attracted strong attendance.
According to Alderman for Culture Karolien Mondelaers (CD&V), the figures show the variety of Hasselt’s museums.
“From fashion and art to local heritage stories, each museum managed to surprise visitors with its own unique program and appeal to a wide audience,”
she says.
In 1975, the founding of the Hasselt Fashion Museum focused on conserving the textile and fashion legacy of the city. Since its origins, the museum has continued to grow with contemporary design and host cutting-edge exhibitions. In 2003, the Stadsmus was established to celebrate Hasselt’s historical, artistic and architectural significance.
Over the years since 2015, the 2 facilities have worked together with neighbouring communities to provide small exhibitions and workshops throughout neighbourhoods and various local educational institutions. The Fashion & Design Hasselt project was created in the year of 2024.
