Why you should explore the Design Museum Gent

Zicht op kanaal, typische huizen en Design Museum Gent
Visit Gent
The Design Museum Gent pays homage to design of the highest calibre. In the historic heart of the city, you can admire a wealth of artefacts and archival drawings. The museum will welcome you to a newly renovated building and a new wing that includes a ‘city lounge’. Six reasons why you should discover (or rediscover) the Design Museum Gent.

Because Design Museum Gent is the country’s largest design museum

Welcome to the country’s largest design museum. Design Museum Gent s a treasure trove of carefully designed beauty. The museum holds no fewer than 24,000 objects and archival drawings spanning more than 700 years of design history. During your visit, you can admire a selection of 450 objects and archive drawings.

Zicht op de buitengevel van het Design Museum Gent
Filip Dujardin for Design Museum Gent

Because design has a deeper meaning here

Here, you’ll find design classics by national and international greats such as Alvar Aalto, Charles & Ray Eames, Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde. This lavishly endowed museum is a tribute to beauty, but it also seeks to fulfil a deeper meaning. Unlike the classical arts, design always serves a specific purpose and that in itself gives rise to questions. What are our living arrangements? How do we live together? What role does design play in our lives? Design Museum Gent takes you on a journey through these issues. 

Zicht op een koepel en beige muur in het Design Museum Gent
Filip Dujardin for Design Museum Gent

Because it showcases Ghent in all its facets

Design Museum Gent is situated right in the heart of the city, directly between the Castle of the Counts and the iconic Graslei and Korenlei. In that way, the museum brings together all the different facets of Ghent. It is a medieval city steeped in centuries-old stories, yet at the same time a vibrant and creative place where life is lived to the full. That same mix can also be found inside the walls of the Design Museum Gent. 

Zicht op de gevels, Graslei en Design Museum Gent
Michiel De Cleene voor Design Museum Gent

Because its façade is unique

Top-class design deserves an attractive setting. This museum more than meets the mark. It has been thoroughly renovated in recent years and today, it is housed behind a new, imposing façade constructed from no fewer than 80,000 facing bricks made from recycled materials. These were developed by Design Museum Gent itself, produced entirely in Ghent and made from waste materials. 

3 rechtstaande stenen als art
Design Museum Gent

Because the museum's new wing is a large public space

Since the renovation, the museum has also gained a new wing that connects the existing museum buildings to each other. This therefore provides even more space for exhibitions, workshops, talks and events. That new wing also serves as a spacious ‘city lounge’, which is an open space that is open to anyone free of charge. It's also the ideal place to enjoy chance encounters, an event or a moment of peace and quiet. 

Gevel van het Design Museum Gent
Visit Gent

Because the grand reopening is going to be a huge celebration

Design Museum Ghent is back at last! The museum will reopen on 3 October following a thorough refurbishment. Its opening will be celebrated with a weekend of festivities featuring music, performances, workshops and a design market in the streets surrounding the museum. Immediately after that opening weekend, Design Fest Gent will take the city by storm. Until 11 October, you will have the chance to enjoy a spectacular design trail that will take you all over the city. 

zicht op kanaal, gevels en het Design Museum Gent
Visit Gent

Frequently Asked Questions about Design Museum Ghent

Design Museum Gent is the largest design museum in Belgium.  It showcases a selection from its collection of 24,000 objects and archival drawings, ranging from historical applied art to contemporary design.

Design Museum Gent is situated in the historic heart of the Ghent, between the Castle of the Counts and the iconic Graslei and Korenlei. Its address is Jan Breydelstraat 5, 9000 Ghent. 

A standard ticket costs 15 euros. Anyone under the age of 18 can get in for free. Discounted admission charges are available for young people (aged 19–25), residents of Ghent, teachers and disadvantaged groups, amongst others.

The museum is open every day (from 3 October 2026 onwards), except on Wednesdays. From Monday to Friday, its opening hours are 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and during school holidays (in Flanders), from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. 

Design Museum Ghent is for young and old alike. Children can enjoy the family trail, imagine themselves as designers, or explore the play features to be found throughout the museum. Find out more about what we offer for families here.

All the museum's galleries are level access and can easily be reached by lift. Reserved parking spaces are available for people with disabilities. Do you need any help with anything during your visit? The staff in each of the museum halls will be happy to help you. 

The museum is situated in the historic centre of Ghent, so it is close to all sorts of attractions.  
You will be in walking distance of the Castle of the Counts, the Graslei and Korenlei, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece. For more inspiration, see Visit Gent.

More to discover

Bezoekerscentrum Sint-Baafskathedraal_© Piet De Kersgieter
Visitors in a Gothic cathedral with high arches, organ, and sunlight through stained-glass windows.
© Piet De Kersgieter

Master Tour Ghent

Ghent
Discover Ghent through the eyes of the Flemish Masters. Walk from the Ghent Altarpiece to hidden gems, historic sites and cosy places.