Location: Ghent
Top Things to do in Ghent
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The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Ghent, Flanders
Belgium's fourth-largest - and most beautiful - city is home to a quarter of a million people and a flourishing flower export trade. An important port, Ghent's city center is a pedestrian area that is like a museum to early Flemish architecture and a testament to the city's medieval might. Impressive Gothic sites, such as dramatic St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts, inspire awe. The works of Flemish masters are housed in the distinguished Museum voor Schone Kunst.
Restaurants in Ghent
1. STAM Ghent City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
STAM is the Ghent city museum. It presents the story of the city of Ghent. A permanent circuit leads visitors along a chronological trail of objects and multimedia which trace the development and growth of Ghent. Temporary exhibitions explore the concept of 'urbanity' from different angles. STAM's real showpiece, its raison d'être, is the city itself. A visit to the city museum is not complete without a visit to Ghent. STAM is ten years old this year... time for a make-over for the permanent exhibition. From December 7th you will mingle with parchment abbots, enterprising women, amorous rebels and self-seeking benefactors from the Middle Ages to the present day as you make your way through the new-look 'Story of Ghent’. You will see and feel the city grow and change shape. You will discover some of the city’s secrets and of course there will also be a fresh version of our (still gigantic) aerial photograph.
Reviewed By WestofEnglandTed - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This is a well thought out and wide ranging museum. It is housed in a combination of modern display spaces and a medieval abbey, nicely adapted to lead the visitor through the history of the city with a wealth of interesting displays. There's a medieval hall still with its original Gothic decoration and a very good audio guide (though the numbers by the exhibits were sometimes difficult to see from a wheelchair). Accessibility is good in the museum, though the street access outside could be difficult for anyone with a large chair. The shop is a little limited and disappointing, and the detailed guidebook is only available in French or Dutch. There is a cafe but it only sells (delicious) meals rather than snacks at lunchtime and the tables were rather grubby.
2. Industrie Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
In the centre of Ghent, just a stone’s throw from the Vrijdagmarkt, the Museum of Industry is located in an impressive factory building. In the former cotton mill – you can still smell the machine oil! – major and minor stories out of the eventful history of industry are brought to life. Various generations of entrepreneurs, merchants and labourers sweep you along in a universal story about people and machines, and how they changed the world round us. The Museum of Industry’s surprisingly diverse collection with international appeal piques visitors’ curiosity. Evocative images, historical films, notable objects and gripping tales make the industrial past come to life; from a colossal steam machine to old advertisements, to the story of a labourer living in a humble factory-provided workman’s dwelling. The Museum of Industry is also bursting with activities.
Reviewed By JanV5280 - Tielt Winge, Belgium
We liked the exposition on printing best. One of the people working on the printing presses gave us a great tour and explanation on the history of printing....Really interesting!
3. Museum Dr. Guislain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By Bross24 - Ketchum, United States
This is a highly unusual museum experience. Located on the grounds of a former institution that treated and cared for mentally ill patients. This museum shows the history of mental disorders and its treatment throughout early history up to more recent times. From sculls being drilled open by early man to let demons escape to electronic machines that look like they came from a scary sci-fi movie set, this is an informative and eerie experience.. There is also a very large incredible exposition of “Outsider-Art” done by non trained artists that are naturally art gifted people but who have mental disorders or who have experienced a major traumatic experience event in their lives. Much of the art is amazing. The art is not to be missed and is located on the second floor in one of the two buildings. There are excellent descriptions in written English discussing the artists and their work. Bring a friend or your spouse, this may not be the best “first date” experience but you will be very happy that you did not go there alone.
4. The House of Alijn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By JanV5280 - Tielt Winge, Belgium
Great museum with thematic expositions. We really enjoyed it as we had a connection with both: one on military service, featuring a documentary about the location I had done mine. The other exposition brought back memories of our childhoods. ????
5. Huis Arnold Vander Haeghen
6. The World of Kina: The House
7. Illuseum
8. School of Yesteryear
9. Museum of the History of Medicine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
