Design Museum Gent

Overview

The Design Museum Gent occupies a historic mansion with an 18th-century front building and a modern rear extension. It presents Belgian and international design from Art Nouveau to the present, with period rooms from the 17th–18th centuries.

Highlights

• Art Nouveau Rooms: Restored period interiors with original Henry van de Velde furnishings.
• Contemporary Design: Rotating exhibitions on product design, furniture, and graphics.
• Two-Part Building: The contrast between the historic front and the modern extension is itself a design statement.

History

Founded in 1922, the museum moved to its current location in 1992. A rear extension was added for contemporary exhibitions. The collection covers decorative arts from the 17th century to cutting-edge contemporary design.

Visitor Tips

• Closed Wednesdays.
• Steps from Gravensteen — combine the two.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.