The Ghent City Museum (STAM) is a museum that tells the story of Ghent, a city in Belgium, from the past to the present and the future. The museum is located in the historic Bijloke Abbey, which dates back to the 14th century, and a modern entrance building that was added in 2010. The museum has a permanent exhibition and a changing programme of temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of urban life and culture.
The ticket price for the Ghent City Museum is 8 euros for adults, 6 euros for seniors and groups of 15 or more, and free for children under 18 and Ghent residents on Sundays. The museum also offers discounts for students, teachers, and holders of certain cards. You can buy tickets online or at the reception desk.
The Ghent City Museum is open every day except on Wednesdays, from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and public holidays, and from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. The museum is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
To get to the Ghent City Museum, you can take public transport (bus or tram), bike, or car. The museum is located at Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Ghent. There is a bike parking near the entrance and a car parking at Godshuizenlaan 4. You can also walk from the city centre, which takes about 20 minutes.
The Ghent City Museum has a lot to see and do for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the attractions are:
- A giant aerial photo of Ghent that covers the floor of the entrance hall. You can walk on it and use an interactive app to zoom in and see details of the city in different centuries.
- A chronological circuit that shows the history of Ghent through objects, multimedia, and scale models. You can learn about the medieval metropolis, the industrial revolution, the world wars, and the contemporary city.
- A section dedicated to the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the most famous artworks in the world. You can see a replica of the painting and learn about its history, restoration, and significance.
- A square inside the museum called STAMplein, where you can find guest exhibitions, collections of locals, and items from the STAM collection. The STAMplein changes regularly and is free to access.
- A trail for children that lets them discover the city as merchants, artisans, architects, and tourists. They can sell fabrics, decorate façades, plot routes, and more.
- A café where you can enjoy a drink or a snack before or after your visit. The café has a terrace with a view of the abbey garden.
Some tips for visiting the Ghent City Museum are:
- Plan at least two hours for your visit if you want to see everything.
- Download the STAM app on your smartphone or tablet before you go. The app provides audio guides, maps, quizzes, and more information about the museum and the city.
- Check the website for current exhibitions, events, and activities. The museum organises guided tours, workshops, lectures, concerts, and more throughout the year.
- Bring your own headphones if you want to use the audio guides. The museum does not provide headphones for hygienic reasons.
- Respect the rules of the museum. Do not touch the objects or displays unless indicated otherwise. Do not take photos with flash or tripod. Do not eat or drink inside the exhibition rooms. Do not smoke anywhere in the museum.
The Ghent City Museum also offers tours for groups of up to 20 people. You can choose from different themes and languages. The tours last about an hour and a half and cost 75 euros per group (plus admission fee). You need to book your tour at least three weeks in advance by phone or email.
