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Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen: A Glimpse into Ghent's Belle Époque

Explore Ghent's cultural heritage at Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen, a stunning 18th-century mansion with elegant salons and literary history.

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Step back in time at the Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen, a beautifully preserved 18th-century mansion in Ghent. Explore elegant salons, a Chinese salon with silk wall coverings, and a reconstruction of Nobel laureate Maurice Maeterlinck's study. It offers a captivating glimpse into the life and times of Ghent's elite.

A brief summary to Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen

  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Check the museum's website for special exhibitions and events.
  • Allocate at least two hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center, walk towards Korenmarkt, where you'll find St. Nicholas Church. From Korenmarkt, walk towards Sint-Baafsplein and admire the Cathedral. Continue onto Veldstraat, where you'll find Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen at number 82 on the right.

  • Public Transport

    Take tram line 1 or 4 to the Korenmarkt stop. From there, walk towards Sint-Baafsplein and continue to Veldstraat. The museum is a short walk away at Veldstraat 82. A single ride on the tram costs €3, but contactless payment is available.

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Discover more about Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen

The Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen, nestled in Ghent's Veldstraat, offers a captivating journey into the city's rich cultural past. Housed in the former Hotel Clemmen, a patrician mansion dating back to 1746, the museum showcases the elegance of the belle époque. Designed by David 't Kindt, the mansion was expanded in the 1770s by textile baron Josse Clemmen, who added classicist and baroque elements. The mansion's highlight is its stunning Chinese salon, adorned with 18th-century Chinese silk wall coverings and murals. The museum also features a reconstruction of the study and library of Maurice Maeterlinck, the Belgian Nobel Prize winner in Literature, providing insight into the writer's life and work. Works by artists Charles Doudelet and Victor Stuyvaert, known for illustrating Maeterlinck's works, are also on display. The Vander Haeghen family acquired the mansion in 1836 and bequeathed it to the City of Ghent, stipulating that it be used as a museum. The museum opened in 1953 and has also housed the City of Ghent's Culture and Arts Departments since 1997. Visitors can explore the vestibule, dining room, Chinese salon, and Maeterlinck cabinet on the ground floor, each offering a glimpse into history and art.

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