Best museums in Ghent

Ghent City Museum (STAM)

One of the city’s most important cultural institutions, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of Ghent’s history, development, and cultural heritage.

The museum’s central location is the Bijloke Abbey building. It was built in the 14th century and served as a hospital for many centuries. Walking through the museum, you can see the old Gothic-style parts of the abbey.

Visitors can learn about the city’s development in chronological order. The exhibition begins with medieval Ghent, when the city was one of Europe’s most important trading centers, with a particular focus on the textile industry and the guild system. We can see numerous historical documents, maps, paintings, photographs, and other artifacts.

One of the museum’s most exciting attractions is the huge interactive map placed on the floor, depicting Ghent’s current cityscape.

All information can be found here!

Museum of Fine Arts (Museum voor Schone Kunsten)

Ghent’s most significant art institution, with its main collection focusing on European painting and sculpture.

Founded in 1798, it is one of Belgium’s oldest art museums. The institution was originally established to preserve and showcase artworks confiscated during the French Revolution.

It contains more than 9,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. The collection provides a comprehensive view of the development of European art, with a particular focus on Flemish and Belgian masters.

One of the most important parts of the museum focuses on the works of medieval and Renaissance Flemish artists. Here we can admire works by famous creators such as Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Paul Rubens, Jan van Eyck, and Hans Memling. It also has a rich collection of 19th-century Belgian and French art, which includes representatives of Neoclassicism, Realism, and Romanticism. Works by masters such as Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, and Eugène Delacroix can be seen here.

All information can be found here!

Design Museum

The museum showcases changes, innovations, and impacts of design on everyday life through various exhibitions.

It was originally created to showcase applied arts collections, then gradually shifted its focus to design in the 20th century. The collection has continuously expanded and now includes various design trends and objects.

It encompasses more than 22,000 objects representing various areas of design. It places significant focus on furniture design, ranging from 18th-century Baroque furniture to 20th-century modern and postmodern design. Works by iconic designers such as Le Corbusier, Gerrit Rietveld, Charles and Ray Eames, as well as contemporary Belgian designers like Maarten Van Severen can be found here.

Part of the museum’s collection also showcases traditional crafts and applied arts objects that reflect the evolution and technological development of design. It also pays special attention to glass art. Numerous unique and innovative creations can be seen, showcasing various techniques and aesthetic possibilities of glass shaping.

All information can be found here!

Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK)

The museum is famous for showcasing innovative, avant-garde artworks and is a leading showcase of global art trends in Belgium.

It has more than 2,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, video installations, performances, and photographs. It pays special attention to showcasing Belgian art, especially works by renowned artists such as Luc Tuymans, Panamarenko, Raoul De Keyser, and Jan Fabre.

The museum’s collection also includes works by internationally renowned artists such as Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, Bruce Nauman, David Hammons, and Marina Abramović.

All information can be found here!

Museum of Industry and Textiles (MIAT)

It showcases the effects of the industrial revolution, especially the development of the textile industry and the life of industrial workers.

The museum is located in a 19th-century textile factory building, which is itself an important industrial monument. It opened its doors in 1979 and focuses on preserving industrial heritage. The city of Ghent was an important textile industry center during the industrial revolution, making the museum particularly relevant to the city’s history.

The museum presents in detail the development of the textile industry from handcraft weaving to large-scale production. One of the most interesting attractions is the period looms and machines, which are still operational today. Steam engines, industrial equipment, and factory worker tools show how industrialization changed production and everyday life.

It not only showcases technological development but also the life and conditions of factory workers. During the industrialization period, workers often worked under difficult conditions, and the museum vividly presents this aspect as well. Visitors can see reconstructions of workers’ homes and workplaces, as well as the history of workers’ social movements.

All information can be found here!

Ethnographic Museum (House of Alijn)

The museum showcases objects, traditions, and culture of ethnography and everyday life.

Its collection focuses on Flemish everyday life, and we can see how people lived, worked, and entertained themselves in the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibited objects include everyday utensils, clothes, furniture, and toys.

One particularly popular part of the museum is the exhibition showcasing children’s lives and games. Through old toys, dolls, board games, and other objects used by children, visitors can learn about how children spent their everyday lives in the past.

All information can be found here!

Natural Science Museum (De Wereld van Kina)

The museum is located at two sites, both interactively showcasing the world of nature. Its exhibitions mainly focus on children.

Het Huis in the city center has four main themes: prehistoric fossils and dinosaurs, human body, insect world, rocks and minerals.

The other location is De Tuin. Here, the main themes are the world of plants, insects and butterflies, seasons, and geology. Its specialty is that it also has a botanical garden, so we can see numerous plants.

All information can be found here!

Van Eyck Center

The museum pays tribute to the memory and art of Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (1390-1441).

Van Eyck became famous as the painter of the Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) located in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This altarpiece is one of the world’s most famous and significant artistic creations.

The main goal of the center is to preserve and showcase Van Eyck’s artistic heritage. Visitors can learn about the characteristics of Flemish Renaissance painting, the significance of the artist’s work, as well as his technical innovations, such as the use of oil paint, which had a great impact on the development of European art.

All information can be found here!

Arnold Vander Haeghen Museum

The museum showcases the aristocratic lifestyle of the late 18th century.

It is located in a beautiful Baroque-style palace built in the 18th century. The building was originally designed for a wealthy family and was later bought by Arnold Vander Haeghen, who was also a wealthy businessman and collector from Ghent. Its interiors have wonderfully preserved the style features of the aristocratic era, especially the decorated ceilings, carved wood paneling, and elegant furniture.

Through richly furnished rooms, visitors can learn how noble families lived and worked in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The magnificent furniture, fine porcelain, paintings, and ornaments all reflect that wealth and sophistication.

One of its well-known parts is the Victor Hugo room, which commemorates the visit of the famous French writer. Victor Hugo stayed here in 1837, and the room pays tribute to this visit.

All information can be found here!

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After Brussels and Antwerp, Ghent is the third largest city in Belgium by area. The settlement, founded at the confluence of the Scheldt and Lys rivers, is particularly noteworthy for its gastronomy. Famous products include the bagel-like mastel, Leonidas and cuberdon chocolates, babelutten candies, and Tierentyn mustard, which resembles Dijon mustard.

Ghent attractions

Gravensteen Castle

The „Castle of the Counts” is one of Belgium’s most significant medieval fortifications. The building is an impressive example of medieval castle architecture, with massive walls, towers, and defensive structures.

The castle was built by the Flemish count Philip I in 1180 and was used for centuries as a residence for counts, as well as for administrative and military purposes. Its location was of strategic importance. Between the 14th and 18th centuries, the building served as a prison and later as a textile industry warehouse.

The exhibitions in the castle showcase various medieval weapons, armors, and torture devices. From its highest point, there’s a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

One of Ghent’s most outstanding attractions is this impressive Gothic-style church.

A smaller church stood here as early as the 10th century, which was expanded in Romanesque style in the 12th century. The building was gradually transformed later, reaching its current imposing form by the 16th century. The cathedral is named after Saint Bavo, the patron saint of Ghent, who was a Flemish nobleman and lived an ascetic life after his conversion.

The church’s most famous artwork is Jan and Hubert van Eyck’s famous 15th-century polyptych, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. This altarpiece is one of the most important works of the Flemish Renaissance, known worldwide for its rich details, symbolism, and technical execution. Another famous piece is the Peter Paul painting by Rubens.

Belfry Tower

One of Ghent’s most iconic buildings is a symbol of the city’s medieval wealth and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The 14th-century tower originally served as a watchtower, from where the population was warned of fire, attacks, or other dangers threatening the city. Built in Flemish Gothic style, it rises high with massive stones, and a dragon-shaped figure can be seen at the top of the tower.

The Belfry’s famous bells played a significant role in the city’s life. The most important bell of the bell tower is the „Klokke Roeland”. These were also rung on festive occasions and are still functioning today. The tower’s current carillon consists of more than 50 bells.

From its top, there’s a great view of the city. You can go up by elevator, but there are various exhibitions about the tower’s history on different levels.

City Hall

It’s an outstanding attraction in terms of its exterior, interior, and history.

Construction began in 1519 and continued in several phases until the mid-17th century. Various architectural styles were used during the work, resulting in the city hall’s unique exterior. Many important historical events took place within its walls, including decisions of Flemish counts and the proclamation of city privileges.

It represents two main architectural styles: Gothic and Renaissance. The Gothic wing is particularly ornate, with its impressive facade richly decorated with carved stone statues, lace-like windows, and ornamental elements. The Renaissance wing is simpler and cleaner, reflecting the Flemish Renaissance style.

Among its inner halls, the most prominent is the council chamber, where the city council made decisions for centuries. The room’s decoration is wonderful, with murals and carved wooden ceilings by medieval and Renaissance masters.

Korenmarkt Square

The square once functioned as a commercial center and is still one of Ghent’s central meeting places today.

It originally served as a site for grain trade, where local farmers sold their produce. The square has retained its medieval atmosphere, as it’s surrounded by numerous historical buildings and monuments. The most significant are St. Nicholas’ Church and the Market Hall.

The square often hosts various city events, festivals, and cultural events. One such event is the famous Gentse Feesten, which is held annually and is one of Ghent’s largest music and cultural festivals.

St. Nicholas’ Church

One of Ghent’s oldest and most significant churches, perhaps the most beautiful example of the city’s Gothic-style churches.

Its architectural style is associated with Flemish Gothic, featuring high arches, pointed windows, and ornate carvings. The church’s patron saint is St. Nicholas, the patron of merchants and sailors.

Inside, there are numerous artworks dating from the medieval and Renaissance periods. A notable element is the 19th-century organ.

Veldstraat

Ghent’s busiest shopping street features elegant shops, restaurants, and historical buildings.

The street played a significant role in the city’s economic life, being the main site for the trade of commercial goods as it runs through the center of the city. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the street gradually transformed and became one of the most significant shopping areas.

St. Michael’s Bridge

Due to its architectural beauty, the bridge is also one of the city’s most popular photography spots.

It was built in 1905 to replace older medieval bridges that stood here. The current bridge was constructed in a neo-Gothic style, which fits well with Ghent’s historical cityscape. It’s named after the nearby St. Michael’s Church. An ornate statue of St. Michael can be found on the bridge.

Due to its central location, this is one of the best places to view Ghent’s medieval cityscape.

Graslei Quay

Together with the opposite Korenlei quay, it was one of Ghent’s most important commercial centers, and today it’s popular among locals and tourists alike.

Most of the buildings along the quay were built between the 12th and 17th centuries, in Renaissance and Gothic styles. The most significant is the House of the Grain Weighers, which was the headquarters of the former shippers’ guild and served as an important meeting place for sailors.

Graslei is also an excellent starting point for city sightseeing boat trips. Several boat tours depart from here, offering great photo opportunities of the historical city center.

Graffiti Street

This small street is an officially designated area for graffiti artists, where they can freely paint their creations without it being considered illegal.

It was established on the initiative of Ghent’s city administration to provide a space for graffiti artists. Today, it has become a complete showcase for street art culture.

Best museums in Ghent

Ghent has a great cultural tradition due to its late medieval wealth. I will present the best museums!

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