Design Museum Gent: Where History Meets Contemporary Innovation

Design Museum Gent, located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, offers a captivating journey through the world of design, showcasing the evolution of applied arts, industrial and artistic designs from 1860 to the present. The museum is housed within a complex that combines the stately facade of an 18th-century mansion, Hotel de Coninck, with a modern wing, creating a unique blend of historical and contemporary architecture. The museum's collection has evolved from 17th and 18th-century decorative arts to modern and contemporary design. Objects from before 1860 provide the historical basis for the modern and contemporary design. The collection includes works by renowned Belgian designers such as Henry van de Velde, Paul Hankar and Maarten Van Severen, alongside international masterpieces. Visitors can explore a wide range of design objects, including furniture, ceramics, textiles and metalwork. The museum also stages temporary exhibitions, encouraging visitors to reflect on the impact of design on everyday life. Design Museum Gent actively collects, researches and exhibits national and international design from 1860 to the present. The museum applies a broad definition of design, based on criteria such as contemporaneity, innovation, ergonomics, durability and aesthetic relevance. Both serial products and unique objects comply with these requirements. Innovation can relate to form, function, material and production techniques. The Design Museum Gent is currently closed for renovations and the addition of a new wing, with plans to reopen in 2026. The renovation project aims to seamlessly connect all the buildings, create additional space for temporary presentations and improve accessibility.