SMAK – Museum of Contemporary Art

Overview

SMAK (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst) is Belgium's leading contemporary art museum, facing the MSK across Citadelpark. Its collection includes major works by Francis Bacon, Joseph Beuys, Panamarenko, and Andy Warhol.

Highlights

• Permanent Collection: Over 2,500 works from the 1960s to the present, including Beuys installations and Panamarenko flying machines.
• Rotating Exhibitions: Three to four major shows per year featuring international contemporary artists.
• SMAK Garden: Outdoor sculpture installations.

History

Founded in 1999 by pioneering curator Jan Hoet, who transformed the 1949 casino building into a cutting-edge art space. SMAK quickly established itself as one of Europe's most important contemporary art museums.

Visitor Tips

• Closed Mondays.
• Combined ticket available with MSK.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.