Design Museum Gent
A unique museum in a historic palace, showcasing design evolution from classic furniture to modern innovation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Design Museum Gent
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique museum in a historic palace, showcasing design evolution from classic furniture to modern innovation.
"A curious mix of design and contemporary art in a fine old building."
Check Exhibit Languages
Most exhibitions offer information in English, making it accessible even if you don't speak Flemish or French.
Allow an Hour
The museum is compact but packed with interesting pieces. Plan for about an hour to fully appreciate the collection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Design Evolution
Main Exhibition Halls
Trace the history of design through iconic furniture and housing trends across centuries. A journey through time for design enthusiasts.

Human-Animal Interaction Exhibit
Special Exhibition Space
A thought-provoking display exploring the complex relationship between humans and animals. A standout experience that sparks conversation.

Historic Palace Architecture
Museum Building
Marvel at the beautiful, historic building that houses the museum, a former city palace. The architecture itself is a significant part of the visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Old and New
Kid-Friendly Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What should I do in one day in Gent? Interested in design, antiques, vinyls, good food/bars
Check Exhibit Languages
Most exhibitions offer information in English, making it accessible even if you don't speak Flemish or French.
Allow an Hour
The museum is compact but packed with interesting pieces. Plan for about an hour to fully appreciate the collection.
Tips: afternoon in Ghent
In Ghent/Brugges for 2 days, what are some must-sees?
Engage Kids with Playmobil
Encourage children to participate in the 'search for Playmobil' activity for an added layer of fun.
Embrace the Mix
Enjoy the unique combination of design, contemporary art, and historic architecture. It's a diverse experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Exhibit Languages
Most exhibitions offer information in English, making it accessible even if you don't speak Flemish or French.
Allow an Hour
The museum is compact but packed with interesting pieces. Plan for about an hour to fully appreciate the collection.
Engage Kids with Playmobil
Encourage children to participate in the 'search for Playmobil' activity for an added layer of fun.
Embrace the Mix
Enjoy the unique combination of design, contemporary art, and historic architecture. It's a diverse experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Design Museum Gent for its captivating blend of historic architecture and innovative design exhibits. The museum is noted for its engaging approach to making art accessible to children, with interactive elements and multilingual information. While some find the collection compact, the overall experience is often described as a beautiful and thought-provoking visit.
"There are many things to see! I was impressed by the combination of old and new and their efforts to make children not bored. And the staffs are really kind. For me, it was almost perfect but I was wondering if they should rely on leaflet for providing information"
sh lim
"I liked it a lot, but my friends had mixed opinions. It houses a curious mix of design and contemporary art in a fine old building. The exhibition focusing on the interaction of humans and animals was thought provoking and the most effective aspect of the museum."
Ian Yates
"This former city Palace has been transformed in quite a big museum with a more modern wing. The collection gives you the highlights of the evolution in design furniture and housing. And the kids have to search for some hidden playmobil toys during the tour."
Bart Eekhaut
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Design Museum Gent is centrally located in Ghent. It's easily accessible by public transport, with tram and bus stops nearby. If arriving by train at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, you can take a tram directly to the city center. Walking from the main historical sites is also a pleasant option.
While direct parking at the museum is limited, there are several public parking garages within walking distance in the city center. Consider using the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities on the outskirts of Ghent and taking public transport into the center to avoid city traffic and parking fees.
Absolutely! Design Museum Gent is situated in the heart of Ghent, making it easily walkable from popular landmarks like the Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral. Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 6 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for specific exhibition dates or public holidays.
Admission prices can vary depending on current exhibitions. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for the latest ticket prices and any potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or for popular temporary exhibitions. This can help you save time and guarantee entry.
The museum may offer discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Check their website or inquire at the ticket desk for details on eligibility and required documentation.
Design Museum Gent is generally accessible, with efforts made to accommodate visitors with disabilities. However, due to the historic nature of parts of the building, it's advisable to contact the museum directly to confirm specific accessibility features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to explore the main collections and current exhibitions. However, if you're particularly interested in design history or a specific exhibit, you might want to allocate a bit more time.
The museum showcases a diverse collection ranging from historical furniture to contemporary design objects, often with a focus on Belgian designers. Rotating exhibitions explore various themes within the design world.
Yes, the museum makes an effort to be child-friendly. They often include interactive elements, like scavenger hunts for hidden toys, and have had specific exhibitions, such as one on robots, that appeal to younger audiences.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check the signage within the museum or ask staff for clarification.
Exhibitions at Design Museum Gent typically provide information in multiple languages, including English, Flemish, and French, ensuring a broad audience can understand and appreciate the displays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum itself might not have a full-service restaurant, there is often a small cafe or refreshment area. For a wider selection of dining options, the surrounding city center of Ghent offers numerous cafes, bistros, and restaurants.
The museum is located in a vibrant area of Ghent, surrounded by a plethora of cafes and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets. You'll find everything from traditional Belgian cuisine to international flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
The juxtaposition of the historic palace architecture with modern design pieces offers unique photographic opportunities. Look for interesting angles that highlight the contrast between old and new. The human-animal exhibit also provides visually striking elements.
Generally, flash photography is not permitted inside the museum to protect the exhibits. Always check for signage or ask museum staff if you are unsure about photography rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art & Design Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Fusion of History and Modernity
This blend is not just superficial; it's integral to the museum's narrative. The exhibits often explore how design has evolved within different historical contexts, making the building itself a silent, yet significant, participant in the storytelling. Visitors often remark on how the setting enhances their appreciation of the displayed works, turning a simple museum visit into a journey through time and style.
Engaging Young Minds with Design
Beyond these playful activities, the museum has hosted specific exhibitions, like one focused on robots, which have proven to be a hit with children. The aim is to spark curiosity and demonstrate that design is not just about static objects but can be dynamic and relevant to their lives. The multilingual information also ensures that children from various backgrounds can follow along.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit