STAM, the Ghent City Museum, tells the story of the city from its medieval beginnings to the present day, and it does so in an unusual building that combines a fourteenth century abbey, a seventeenth century convent and a modern wing. The displays use interactive multimedia, models, maps, objects and film, and one highlight is a giant aerial photograph of Ghent laid on the floor that you can walk across to find your hotel. The museum explains how Ghent grew into a powerful cloth city, how it rebelled against its rulers, how it industrialised and how it became the lively place it is today. It is a good first stop for visitors who want context before seeing the sights, and a welcome indoor option on a cold or wet day. A cafe and a shop make it easy to stay for a while.
The museum stands in the Bijloke area on the edge of the centre, on the site of an old Cistercian abbey. That setting is part of the appeal, since the old buildings and the glass-and-steel extension share a garden, and the story of the city is told in rooms that are themselves part of that history. The permanent exhibition follows the city through its golden age, its revolts, its industrial boom and its modern reinvention, with maps and models that show how the quays, the castle and the towers fit together.
The children's trail makes it a good family stop, and the interactive displays keep teenagers engaged. Allow around two hours for the permanent display and longer if there is a temporary exhibition on. The museum is accessible, with lifts between levels, and the garden and the cafe give you a place to rest. Opening days and hours change with the season, so check the museum's own site before you set out, and note that a CityCard Gent gives free admission.
Prices are modest, with reductions for young people and Ghent residents, and visitors under nineteen are free. The museum is about twenty minutes on foot from the Graslei, or a short tram ride, and it fits well in a day with MSK and S.M.A.K., which are in the same southern part of the city.
The booking page for tickets is on the museum's site, and the Ghent tourism page gives a summary and a link. If the weather is poor, this is one of the best ways to spend a morning and understand what you will see later outdoors.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum visit with interactive displays, maps and models, a walk-on aerial photo of Ghent and a children's trail.
Best time
A cold or wet day, or early in a trip to get your bearings before you see the sights.
How long
About two hours, longer if there is a temporary exhibition.
Tips
Check opening days before you go, pick up the children's trail if you are with family and use the cafe in the garden.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want context for the city's history in a few hours.
- Families
- The children's trail and the walk-on aerial photo are fun for younger visitors.
- Couples
- A relaxed, indoor morning, finished with lunch in the cafe.
- Pair with
- MSK and S.M.A.K., which are in the same part of town.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What can I see at STAM?+
The history of Ghent from the Middle Ages to today, with interactive displays, models and maps. A giant aerial photograph of the city on the floor is a favourite.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, there is a children's trail and many interactive features. It is a good rainy day activity for families.
How much is a ticket?+
A basic adult ticket is in the low teens in euros, with reductions for Ghent residents, groups and under twenty sixes. Under nineteens go free, and CityCard Gent holders enter free.
Where is STAM?+
In the Bijloke area on the southern edge of the centre, about twenty minutes on foot from the Graslei or a short tram ride.
Is there a cafe?+
Yes, there is a museum cafe and a shop. The garden is pleasant in good weather.
