As the Ghent Design Museum reopens this month, the city stands poised as a vibrant destination for architectural and cultural enthusiasts. Alongside its UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Gravensteen castle and the Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent offers remarkable modernist architecture and a dynamic cultural scene, making it perfect for an architectural exploration of the city.
Architectural highlights of Ghent — A City Exploration
Discover the city’s architectural treasures, including the 1930s Boekentoren and Juliaan Lampens’ iconic Brutalist house. The cultural landscape is enriched by museums, experimental galleries, and the hybrid space of Wintercircus. Embarking on this journey offers insights into these stunning structures.
Beyond Ghent’s architectural wonders, explore how modern minimalism blends with history in projects like Nova Scotia’s Skybox.
The Get
Belgian architect Glenn Sestig has transformed a former supermarket into the experimental gallery, THE GET. The raw, spacious environment, which neighbors his new office, opens with a striking black-stone entrance. Currently, it hosts the ‘Wunderkammer Reimagined’ exhibition, showcasing works by Linde Freya Tangelder, Wendy Andreu, Minjae Kim, Lionel Jadot, Lukas Gschwander and Kiki Goti. A visit to THE GET might also be part of a fascinating architectural itinerary of the city.
‘Wunderkammer Reimagined’ opens 2 October 2026 at THE GET, Sint-Annaplein 7, 9000 Ghent.
S.M.A.K (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art)
Inspired by Jan Hoet in 1986, the S.M.A.K. continues to redefine art experiences beyond gallery walls. This year, the museum celebrates the 40th anniversary of the famed Chambres d’Amis exhibition with new installations and archival displays, including Daniel Buren’s reconstructed 1986 work, ‘Le Décor et son Double.’ When planning your visit, including S.M.A.K. could enrich your experience.
‘Chambres d’Amis turns 40’ runs until 10 January 2027 at S.M.A.K, Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Ghent.
The Herbert Foundation, in the former 1920s frame factory owned by art collectors Anton and Annick Herbert, showcases minimalist and conceptual art. This autumn, it features an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s films and documents, including 22 films on loan from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. Adding the Herbert Foundation to your itinerary is highly recommended.
‘All Tomorrow’s Parties. Films and documents of Andy Warhol,’ 27 September 2026 – 27 June 2027 at Herbert Foundation, Coupure Links 627/A, 9000 Ghent.
Boekentoren
The Boekentoren, a Modernist masterpiece by Henry van de Velde, houses Ghent University’s vast collections. Restoration by Robbrecht en Daem continues, promising a future visitors’ center and reading café while preserving the original charm and function of this 20-storey icon. It is a must-see stop on any architectural journey through Ghent.
Wintercircus
Once a 19th-century circus and later a car garage, the Wintercircus has evolved into a hub for innovation, featuring co-working spaces, a rooftop bar, and an underground club. The design by a team including OYO Architects incorporates reused materials, maintaining the site’s historical allure and making it a great addition to your exploration of the city’s architecture.
Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens and the Van Wassenhove House
Celebrate the 100th birthday of architect Juliaan Lampens with a visit to the Van Wassenhove House, a Brutalist icon integrated with nature and light. The museum, located in Sint-Martens-Latem, examines 20th- and 21st-century art, further delving into Lampens’ legacy through a dedicated symposium and exhibition, all of which enhance a tour of Ghent’s architectural marvels.
The exhibition ‘Juliaan Lampens 1926-2026’ runs 29 November 2026 – 14 March 2027. Symposium on 5 November 2026.
To further enrich your experience of architectural innovation, consider the bold architecture of Shenzhen’s new museum, which harmonizes with its surroundings.
Ghent Design Museum
The newly reopened Ghent Design Museum, Belgium’s largest, showcases a significant expansion and restoration. Led by Carmody Groarke with local architects Atama, the museum features a new low-carbon entrance and a circulation route connecting its historic spaces, cementing its status as a premiere design destination, and a must-visit spot on a discovery of Ghent’s architectural wonders.
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
What are some architectural highlights in Ghent?
Ghent offers remarkable modernist architecture, including the Boekentoren and Juliaan Lampens’ iconic Brutalist house. The city also features hybrid spaces like Wintercircus and renovated venues such as THE GET gallery.
What exhibition is opening at THE GET gallery?
THE GET gallery is hosting the ‘Wunderkammer Reimagined’ exhibition, which features works by artists such as Linde Freya Tangelder, Wendy Andreu, and Minjae Kim.
What is unique about the Ghent Design Museum’s reopening?
The newly reopened Ghent Design Museum showcases a significant expansion and restoration. It features a new low-carbon entrance and a circulation route connecting historic spaces, solidifying its status as a premiere design destination.