Ghent Museums

Ghent combines a vibrant student atmosphere with a rich museum culture, and the good news is that the main museums are excellently accessible for wheelchair users. This route connects four diverse museums that together paint a fascinating picture of the city and its culture.

Start at STAM, the city museum housed in the renovated Bijloke Abbey. The combination of medieval heritage and modern architecture is impressive, and the entire museum is accessible via lifts and ramps. The interactive city map on the floor of the great hall is a special experience. Then take tram 1 to the Citadelpark, where S.M.A.K. and the Museum of Fine Arts face each other. S.M.A.K. showcases bold contemporary art in a fully accessible building with a lift.

The Design Museum in the city centre tells the story of design from the 17th century to today. The 18th-century townhouse is connected to a modern wing, both accessible by lift. Museum Dr. Guislain, slightly further from the centre, is housed in Belgium's oldest psychiatric hospital and offers a unique look at the history of mental healthcare. The grounds are flat and fully wheelchair accessible.

Practical tips: Ghent has an extensive low-floor tram network. Disabled parking spaces are available near each museum. The cafeterias at STAM and S.M.A.K. are accessible and provide good resting spots.