Mu.ZEE: Belgian Art by the Sea

Discover Belgian art from 1830 to the present at Mu.ZEE in Ostend, showcasing iconic artists and contemporary works by the sea.

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Mu.ZEE in Ostend is dedicated to Belgian art from 1830 onwards, showcasing a diverse collection in a modernist building that was once a department store. With a focus on both established and emerging artists, it offers a comprehensive look at the nation's artistic heritage.

A brief summary to Mu.ZEE

Romestraat 11, Ostend, 8400, BE
+3259508118
Visit website

Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events to enhance your visit.
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
Explore the Ensorhuis, the house of James Ensor, which is a dependency of Mu.ZEE, to delve deeper into the artist's world.

Getting There

Walking

Mu.ZEE is located a short walk from Ostend's city center and the train station. From the train station, walk along Vindictivelaan, passing the marina. Continue onto Alfons Pieterslaan, then take the third street on the left, Romestraat, where you'll find the museum. The walk is approximately 1 km and takes about 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From Ostend train station, several bus lines connect to Mu.ZEE. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route and stops. The coastal tram also provides access, with the nearest stop at Oostende Station. From there, it is a short walk to the museum. A single bus or tram fare is around €2.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Ostend. A taxi ride from the train station to Mu.ZEE typically costs around €15, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also an option. Consider using a ride-hailing app or hailing a taxi on the street.

Discover more about Mu.ZEE

Mu.ZEE, whose name is an abbreviation of "Kunstmuseum aan Zee" (Art Museum at the Sea) , stands as a prominent art museum in Ostend, Belgium, specializing in Belgian art from 1830 to the present day. The museum was formed in 2008 through the fusion of the former Provinciaal Museum voor Moderne Kunst (PMMK) and the Museum voor Schone Kunsten Oostende. The museum's collection includes approximately 8,000 works , featuring paintings, drawings, and etchings. Key artists represented include James Ensor, Constant Permeke, and Léon Spilliaert, all of whom had strong ties to Ostend. The collection also includes works by Georges Vantongerloo, Roger Raveel, Raoul De Keyser, and many others. The museum is housed in a modernist building designed in 1947 by architect Gaston Eysselinck. Originally a department store , the building was adapted to house the museum in 1986. Mu.ZEE aims to provide an accessible and engaging experience for visitors, connecting them with Belgian art and its broader cultural context. The museum actively collects and exhibits works by contemporary artists, ensuring the collection remains dynamic and relevant.