The city museum of Ghent is located in a historical building, which in the XIII century belonged to the Cistercian abbey. The muse …
Belgium’s first museum dedicated to contemporary art is housed in a building that once housed a casino. The museum absorbed works …
Ghent is a city where history and modernity meet at every turn: ancient facades, narrow canals and a rich cultural palette make it an ideal destination for travel and museum routes. Walks around the city easily turn into fascinating excursions, and each exposition reveals new facets of local life and art.
In the center of the museum life of the city is the city museum, located in a historical building of the XIII century, once belonging to the Cistercian Abbey; there are carefully preserved household items and archaeological finds associated with the urban past. The Museum of Contemporary Art occupies the building of a former casino and is known for being one of the first such institutions in Belgium, presenting bold installations and works of the avant-garde. The Museum of Fine Arts, created on the basis of an ancient church, stores about 250 works that were hidden from the occupiers during the war years - this layer of the collection gives the exhibitions a special depth and drama. In the expositions there are rare medieval artifacts, unique preserved collections and modern projects, and in the vicinity of the city you can find small private collections and historical objects that complement the overall picture of the cultural space.
The Ghent museum program is dynamic: temporary exhibitions and imported expositions from European collections are regularly opened here, educational projects and thematic excursions for adults and children are held. The halls display both historical collections and contemporary art projects, often accompanied by lectures and curatorial meetings. Keep an eye out for museum posters so you don’t miss the temporary screenings and special events that make each visit a new discovery.
Come to Ghent and plan your trip in advance: ordering a tour with a private guide will help you see the main thing and learn little-known stories in a short time. Local guides will make a convenient route to museums, select expositions according to interests and help to avoid queues, making a visit as vivid and memorable as possible. Don’t put off – discover the Ghent museums and turn the trip into a true cultural adventure.