STAM Ghent City Museum
Discover Ghent's past through interactive exhibits and a stunning city floor map in a historic abbey setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
STAM Ghent City Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ghent's past through interactive exhibits and a stunning city floor map in a historic abbey setting.
"The picture of Ghent from above is also very pretty and definitely worth a visit when ur in Ghent!"
🎟️ Get the Ghent City Pass
Grants access to STAM & other sites, plus free public transit. Activate wisely!
🚶 Walk from City Center
A scenic 25-min stroll to the museum. Enjoy the city views!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Floor Map
Main exhibition hall
A stunning, oversized map of Ghent that brings the city's development to life. A must-see visual centerpiece.

Interactive History Exhibits
Various galleries
Engaging displays with artifacts and touchscreens offering insights into Ghent's rich past. Fun for all ages.

Abbey Architecture
Museum building
Explore the historic abbey that houses the museum, a beautiful architectural gem in itself.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ghent City Pass Advantage
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
3 Days in Ghent. What should I do?
🎟️ Get the Ghent City Pass
Grants access to STAM & other sites, plus free public transit. Activate wisely!
🚶 Walk from City Center
A scenic 25-min stroll to the museum. Enjoy the city views!
Museums or places in Belgium that explore the middle ages or Burgundy era?
🚎 Use Public Transport
Easier than parking, especially on weekends. City Pass includes transit.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Activities
Interactive elements and activities keep younger visitors engaged.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get the Ghent City Pass
Grants access to STAM & other sites, plus free public transit. Activate wisely!
🚶 Walk from City Center
A scenic 25-min stroll to the museum. Enjoy the city views!
🚎 Use Public Transport
Easier than parking, especially on weekends. City Pass includes transit.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Activities
Interactive elements and activities keep younger visitors engaged.
🎧 Audio Guides Available
Enhance your understanding of exhibits with informative audio.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find STAM Ghent City Museum to be an interesting and informative experience, particularly appreciating the interactive exhibits and the impressive floor map of the city. The museum's location within a historic abbey adds to its charm. Some wish for more seating and deeper historical detail, but overall it's considered a worthwhile visit for understanding Ghent's past.
"For my age range, tickets were only €2.50. It's definitely worth it to go and visit. There's a lot of beautiful art and paintings and a lot of information about the history of Ghent. There are some rooms where you can interact and make some things yourself. Could write your name on a wall and pick up some postcards. The picture of Ghent from above is also very pretty and definitely worth a visit when ur in Ghent!"
Yaren B
"An interesting museum where you can learn about the history of Ghent, roughly a 25 minute walk from the city centre. The rooms are set up nicely and contain artefacts and interactive displays. Merchandise can be bought at the entrance."
Mina T.
"It was fun learning about the History of Ghent. My friend and I try to go to the city museums whenever we’re in a new city. This museum did not disappoint. The Ghent city card grants access to this and many other sites around this medieval marvel of a city. I will suggest that you buy the city pass at your first attraction and only activate it when you have a few places in your itinerary.
Try to take public transportation or walk if you can. Parking in these medieval cities can be challenging, especially on weekends. Plenty of families with children running around to keep you on your toes."
Alex Matheson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
STAM Ghent City Museum is located about a 25-minute walk from Ghent's city center. You can also take public transport; many bus and tram lines stop nearby. If driving, be prepared for potentially challenging parking, especially on weekends.
Parking in medieval city centers like Ghent can be difficult and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or walk to STAM.
Yes, STAM is within walking distance of many central Ghent attractions, making it easy to incorporate into a walking tour of the city.
Various bus and tram lines serve the area around STAM. If you have the Ghent City Pass, public transport is included, making it a convenient option.
While the Ghent City Pass includes water taxi access to some attractions, it's best to check the specific routes and schedules to confirm if it's a direct option for STAM.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, with concessions available for certain age groups. For example, tickets were around €2.50 for a specific age range.
Checking the official website for current pricing is recommended.The Ghent City Pass offers access to STAM and many other sites, plus free public transit. It's often considered a good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
You can purchase tickets at the entrance. For popular times or if you want to secure your entry, buying in advance or upon arrival is advisable.
Concessions are often available for students, seniors, and other groups. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's website for details.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official STAM Ghent City Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
STAM offers a journey through Ghent's history with artifacts, interactive displays, and a large floor map of the city. There are also opportunities to write your name on a wall and collect postcards.
Yes, STAM is generally considered family-friendly with interactive elements and activities designed to engage children.
A typical visit can last around 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and whether you engage with all the interactive features.
Some visitors have noted that while audio information is provided in rooms, seating can be limited, so be prepared to stand for some parts of the exhibition.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially for personal use.
📸 📸 Photography
The large floor map of Ghent is a visually striking centerpiece and a popular photo opportunity. The historic abbey architecture itself also offers beautiful photographic potential.
Photography rules can change. Always look for signs or ask museum staff if you're unsure about taking pictures inside the exhibition spaces.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful, especially in some of the older sections of the abbey. A smartphone camera can also capture great shots of the exhibits and the floor map.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical buildings. It's best to avoid flying drones near STAM and adhere to local regulations.
Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, allowing for more relaxed photography. Early mornings on weekends might also offer fewer people in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider purchasing the Ghent City Pass, which includes entry to STAM and free public transport. This can simplify logistics and save money if you plan on visiting other family-friendly attractions. The museum's location also allows for a pleasant walk from the city center, which can be an adventure in itself for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Walking to STAM from the city center is a free and enjoyable way to experience Ghent, saving on transportation costs. Even without the City Pass, the museum's affordable entry fee (around €2.50 for some visitors) makes it an accessible cultural experience. Packing your own snacks and water can also help keep daily expenses down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ghent's History at STAM
One of the most striking features is the enormous floor map of Ghent, which provides a unique perspective on the city's urban planning and growth over centuries. Interactive touchscreens scattered throughout the exhibits allow for deeper dives into specific objects and historical periods, catering to curious minds of all ages. The museum also provides opportunities for personal engagement, such as writing your name on a wall or collecting postcards, adding a memorable touch to the experience.
While the museum offers a wealth of information, some visitors suggest that audio guides can significantly enhance the understanding of the exhibits, especially for those who appreciate detailed historical context. Be prepared for some standing, as seating can be limited in certain sections. Overall, STAM provides an insightful and engaging exploration of Ghent's past, making it a valuable stop for anyone interested in the city's heritage.
Maximizing Your Visit with the Ghent City Pass
Beyond museum access, a significant benefit of the Ghent City Pass is its inclusion of free public transportation. This covers buses, trams, and even water taxis, making it incredibly convenient to navigate the city and reach attractions like STAM, which is a pleasant walk but also easily accessible via public transit. Redditors advise activating the pass strategically, perhaps at your first major attraction, to ensure you get the most value from its validity period.
When considering the pass, assess your itinerary. If you plan on visiting several paid attractions and utilizing public transport frequently, the Ghent City Pass will likely save you money and hassle. It simplifies your travel experience, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the historical charm and cultural richness of Ghent.
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