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STAM - Ghent City Museum: Unveiling Ghent's History

Explore Ghent's past, present, and future at STAM, the city museum housed in a historic abbey, featuring interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

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STAM, the Ghent City Museum, tells the story of Ghent from its medieval origins to its modern-day dynamism. Located in the historic Bijloke Abbey, the museum uses multimedia displays, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits to showcase the city's evolution. Walk across a giant aerial photo of Ghent and explore the city's transformations through the centuries.

A brief summary to STAM - Ghent City Museum

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase the Ghent City Card for access to STAM and many other attractions, plus free public transportation.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • Consider visiting the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), which is located nearby in Citadelpark, after your visit to STAM.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Ghent city center (e.g., Korenmarkt), STAM is approximately a 20-minute walk. A pleasant route follows the river or goes through Citadelpark. Walk south, following the Leie river, or through the park, towards the Bijloke site. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, take tram 1 towards 'Flanders Expo'. Get off at the 'Verlorenkost' stop, which is near the Bijloke site. Alternatively, take bus lines 6, 8, 9, or 65 and get off near Bijlokehof. A single-ride ticket costs around €3.

  • Car

    STAM is located next to the R40 ring road. Take the E17/E40 highway and exit at 'Gent-Centrum,' then follow signs for 'Alle Richtingen'. Note that Ghent has a low emission zone (LEZ); check your vehicle's eligibility before entering the city center. There are no parking facilities at the Bijlokesite. Parking is available in the streets surrounding the Bijlokesite (zone orange) or at Parking Sint-Pietersplein, about a 10-15 minute walk away. Expect to pay around €3.80 per hour for parking.

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Discover more about STAM - Ghent City Museum

The Ghent City Museum, known as STAM (Stadsmuseum Gent), offers an immersive journey through the history of Ghent, Belgium. Housed in the historic Bijloke Abbey, a former hospital and monastery, the museum combines historical architecture with modern museum design. STAM traces Ghent's development from its medieval beginnings to the present day, exploring its connections to the Low Countries, Europe, and the world. The museum's exhibits feature a mix of artifacts, models, maps, and multimedia displays. A highlight is the giant aerial photograph of Ghent that visitors can walk across, providing a unique perspective on the city's layout. Interactive screens and digital timelines illustrate how the city has evolved over time. Temporary exhibitions explore various aspects of urban life and contemporary issues. STAM doesn't just focus on the past; it also examines present-day Ghent and considers its future. The museum aims to provide both locals and visitors with a deeper understanding of Ghent's identity and its place in the world. STAM is located on the Bijloke site, a cultural hub with architectural significance on the banks of the River Leie.

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