How to Plan Your Visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

Are you a lover of fine art and would love to see iconic artistic masterpieces in the oldest museum in Belgium? If yes, then you must plan a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent. This museum houses an impressive range of artworks, starting from the 14th century to the present day. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to come face to face with the major players in Belgian and European art history. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan your visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, making sure you don’t miss a thing.

Experience

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is home to a vast collection of art ranging from mediæval statues and paintings to contemporary works of art. The museum is located in a monumental building with a green park on its doorstep. The museum houses about 25 galleries spread over two floors. The permanent collection is located mainly on the second floor, featuring art from before 1800, such as Jan van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, known as the Ghent Altarpiece – a masterpiece of Flemish Primitive art. The temporary exhibitions are located mainly on the first floor.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent:

Browse 25 galleries of masterpieces of art

There’s a lot to take in at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent. With 25 galleries, you have access to a wide variety of artworks, providing a vast range of styles and periods for you to explore.

Discover ancient art history

With half of the galleries delving into the world of art from before 1800, you can discover and delve into the history of art in the museum.

See works of art from the 14th century to the present day

From the 14th century to the present day, the museum has an impressive collection of artworks spread over two floors for you to see.

Audio guide for adults and children

To make your visit more informative, the museum provides visitors with audio guides for adults and children. These guides are available in several languages, including English, Dutch, French, and German.

Family route with children’s labels

The family route with children’s labels provides you with an opportunity to encourage your children to take an interest in art. The labels provide them with guidance on what to look for and the questions to ask.

Planning Your Visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

Now that you know what to expect when visiting the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, it is time to plan your visit. Here’s how to do it:

1. Book Your Ticket Online

To save time and avoid queuing, it is best to book your ticket online. You can use this link to book your ticket to the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent: book the tour here.

2. Check the Museum’s Opening Hours

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, the 1st of January, and the 25th of December. You can check for any updates on their website.

3. Arrive Early

To avoid queuing and make the most of your visit, it is best to arrive early. This way, you can explore the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent at your own pace. Additionally, there are fewer crowds, allowing you to take a closer look at the artworks without being disturbed.

4. Use an Audio Guide

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent provides visitors with audio guides for both adults and children. The audio guides are available in several languages such as English, Dutch, French, and German. These guides provide background information about the various works of art in the museum, leading to a more enjoyable and informative visit.

5. Take a Break at the Park

After strolling through the museum’s galleries, it is good to take a break and enjoy the green park on its doorstep. You can grab a snack or meal at the museum’s restaurant or a nearby café.

Conclusion

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is one of Belgium’s oldest museums and has an impressive collection of art from the 14th century to the present day. To make the best of your visit, you should book your ticket online, check the museum’s opening hours, arrive early, use an audio guide, and take a break at the park before or after your museum visit. Book your tickets today and immerse yourself in the world of art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghent: Your Ultimate Guide

Do you wish to visit Belgium and explore its amazing cities? Ghent is one of the places you don’t want to miss. This beautiful city is a true gem of Europe, full of history and culture, but also exciting things to do and see. Before traveling, you might have some questions about Ghent. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked ones to make your trip to this city as informative and enjoyable as possible.

1. Where is Ghent located?

Ghent is located in the Flemish region of Belgium, about 50 kilometers northwest of Brussels. It’s the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province, with a population of over 260,000 people. Ghent is not far from other famous cities like Bruges, Antwerp, and Amsterdam, making it a great destination for a Europe trip.

2. What is the best time to visit Ghent?

The best time to visit Ghent is between April and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and many events and festivals take place. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so the city might be crowded and more expensive. If you prefer a quieter and cheaper stay, you can consider visiting in the winter months. Just make sure to dress warmly and prepare for some rain.

3. What are the top attractions in Ghent?

There are many amazing things to see and do in Ghent, and here are some of the most popular ones:

– Gravensteen Castle

This medieval castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of Ghent. It was built in the 12th century and served as the residence of the counts of Flanders. Today, it’s open for visitors who can explore its stunning halls, towers, and moat, as well as learn about its history and exhibitions.

– Saint Bavo Cathedral

This Gothic-style cathedral is another must-visit attraction in Ghent. It’s home to the famous altarpiece painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, as well as other impressive artworks and tombs.

– Graslei and Korenlei Quays

These picturesque quays along the Leie River are the heart of Ghent’s historic center. They are lined with beautiful 16th-century guildhouses, cafes, and restaurants, and provide a perfect background for a romantic walk or a boat trip.

– St. Michael’s Bridge

This bridge is not only an important transport route but also a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Ghent.
From this bridge, you can see some of Ghent’s most beautiful landmarks and its beautiful skyline.

4. How can I get around Ghent?

Ghent is a relatively small city that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. However, if you prefer public transportation, there are also trams and buses that cover most areas of the city. You can buy tickets at ticket machines or on board, or you can get a Ghent City Card that includes unlimited transport and other discounts.

5. What are some typical dishes in Ghent?

Belgium is known for its delicious cuisine, and Ghent has its own specialties that you have to try, such as:

– Waterzooi

This is a creamy, hearty soup or stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream.

– Gentse neuzen

These are small cone-shaped candies with a fruity flavor and a distinctive pink color. They are a popular souvenir from Ghent and a great treat for tourists.

– Cuberdons or “noses of Ghent”

These are conical sweets with a gel-like interior made of gum arabic and a fruity outer layer. They have a strong raspberry flavor and are typically sold at stands and shops in Ghent.

Conclusion

Ghent is full of wonder and beauty, and we hope this guide has answered some of your questions and encouraged you to visit the city. From stunning architecture and artworks to delicious cuisine and charming quays, Ghent has something for everyone. Don’t forget to plan your trip well in advance and explore all that this city has to offer.