STAM Ghent City Museum is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Ghent. The museumtakes advantage of its setting in a 14th-century building to add context to the exhibits and linkthe city’s past and present. Explore the innovative multimedia applications and exhibits for afascinating perspective on Ghent’s history and culture.
The museum is home to more than 300 thoughtfully selected documents and objects related tothe evolution of Ghent over the centuries. Set in historic Bijloke Abbey, the exhibits are arrangedchronologically across six of the abbey’s former rooms. Notice how the museum uses thesuccessive building phases of the abbey to create an appropriate atmosphere for each exhibit. Forexample, the abbey’s Baroque-style room is used to house pieces from the 17th and 18thcenturies.
Admire the photographs by Carl De Keyzer, which are featured along the ambulatory that linksall of the exhibition areas. These beautiful photos were taken in different neighborhoods aroundGhent, reflecting the many sides of this intriguing city.
Take a break on one of the museum’s “listening benches,” where you can hear stories aboutGhent narrated in multiple languages. You’ll hear quotes and anecdotes from famous figuresthroughout history who spent time in Ghent, providing candid insight into how the city haschanged over the years.
Be sure to check out the Four Views of Ghent, a series of multimedia “maps” filled with imagesand information. Each map is from a different time period one of them features the oldestpainting of the city, which dates back to the 16th century.
Don’t miss the special themed area dedicated to the painting, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.One panel of this ill-fated altarpiece belonging to Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral was stolen in 1934 andhas never been recovered. Learn more about the theories that attempt to explain this famousmystery.
STAM Ghent City Museum can be reached by a short walk or tram ride from the city center.There is an additional fee to rent an audio guide. Admission is free for visitors under 19 years ofage.
