Sights in Ghent
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The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Formidable queues form to see The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (De Aanbidding van het Lams God), a lavish representation of medieval religious thinking that is one of the earliest-known oil paintings. Completed in 1432, it was painted as an altarpiece by Flemish Primitive artist Jan Van Eyck, and has 20 panels (originally the interior panels were displayed only on important religious occasions, but these days they're always open to view).
The work represents an allegorical glorification of Christ's death: on the upper tier sits God the Father flanked by the Virgin and John the Baptist and on the outer panels are the nude Adam and Eve. The lower tier centres on the lamb, s…
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Stedelijk Museum Voor Actuele Kunst (SMAK)
The motivation for many people's visit to Ghent is its Museum of Contemporary Art, a.k.a. SMAK. It holds a highly regarded permanent collection of local works (including Karel Appel, Pierre Alechinsky and Panamarenko) and works of international celebrities (like Christo, Warhol and Hockney), though of late it's been packing these away to devote its space to single major exhibits (such as Paul McCarthy's blood-spattered installations), so it's worth checking the programme.
Look out for works by Karel Appel, Pierre Alechinsky and Panamarenko - three of Belgium's best-known contemporary artists - as well as artworks by international celebrities like Christo, Warhol and Hockn…
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Museum of Contemporary Art
Ghent's highly regarded Museum of Contemporary Art, better known by its acronym, SMAK, is located south of the city centre. It opened in the 1990s under the direction of Jan Hoet, one of Europe's most famous museum curators. It's a huge place and you'll need the map handed out at reception to find any of the big names.
Look out for works by Karel Appel, Pierre Alechinsky and Panamarenko - three of Belgium's best-known modern artists - as well as artworks by international celebrities such as Christo, Warhol and Hockney.
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St-Baafskathedraal & The Adoration Of The Mystic Lamb
Flemish Primitive artist Jan Van Eyck's richly detailed 20-panel altarpiece, De Aanbidding van het Lam Gods (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb; 1432) is one of the earliest-known oil paintings in existence and the highlight of Ghent's 22-altar, stained-glass-adorned cathedral. A rare depiction of God the Father can be seen on the altarpiece's upper tier, while the lower tier features the eponymous lamb, symbolising Christ's sacrifice. The altarpiece's survival defies the odds - see .
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Design Museum
The Design Museum is one of Ghent's little-known gems. It comprises two sections: furnishings from the Renaissance to the 19th century adorn the front part of the building, whereas 20th-century art - everything from a Victor Horta-designed Art Nouveau wall cabinet to '70s psychedelic sofas - takes centre stage in the glass-covered rear wing.
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Museum Voor Vormgeving
Behind its 18th-century façade, Ghent's Design Museum displays furnishings from the Renaissance to today in a striking modern space. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and retro (including some lurid '70s sofas) are all represented, and there are regular temporary exhibits (sometimes attracting an additional fee).
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Gravensteen
The counts of Flanders wielded their power from Ghent's 12th-century castle in the centre of town. Rising up out of the water, its square-cut towers and ramparts are the stuff of storybooks. To get a feel for its slings-and-arrows history, rent the evocative multimedia guide (around €3).
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Museum of Fine Arts
Ghent's Museum of Fine Arts has a good collection of Flemish Primitives and a couple of typically nightmarish works by Hieronymus Bosch - including one of Bosch's most famous pieces, De Kruisdraging (Bearing of the Cross), depicting Christ surrounded by hideous mocking characters.
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Alijn House
The Alijn House occupies a set of beautifully restored almshouses in the city's heart. The museum's theme focuses on life as it was at the start of the 20th century. It's all very quaint, even more so on Sundays when puppets take centre stage.
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Belfry
This 14th-century World Heritage-listed belfry rises from the old Lakenhalle (cloth hall); the entrance is around the back of the tourist office. As is to be expected, it affords spectacular views of the city - use the lift or the stairs.
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Dr Guislain Museum
Anyone unnerved by One Flew Over the Cuckoos' Nest should avoid it -this former psychiatric hospital, northwest of the city centre, showcases some chilling forms of treatment, and also features a collection of art by 'outsiders'.
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Art Centre of St Peter's Abbey
The Art Centre of St Peter's Abbey is a venue for art and culture exhibitions in the setting of a former abbey. Well worth a look if something's on at the time of your visit.
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