Ghent's Contemporary Art Scene Beyond Van Eyck

Ghent, known for its Burgundian heritage and Jan van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, also hosts a vibrant contemporary art scene. The SMAK (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst), founded in 1957 by Karel Geirlandt, opened within the MSK in 1975 under director Jan Hoet, who expanded its collection and international reputation. The current building dates to 1999; Hoet was succeeded by Peter Doroshenko and then Philippe Van Cauteren. Nearby, the Kunsthal in the 13th-century Caermersklooster monastery is open only on weekends. The Zebrastraat Project, renovated by the Liedts-Meesen Foundation, includes works by Nick Ervinck (Swiss Cheese rooftop sculpture, yellow veil facade) and houses the foundation's collection, temporary exhibitions, and the XYX Lounge by Didier Faustino. The Design Museum, originating from a private collection started in 1903 as Vereniging van Nijverheid en Decoratieve Kunst, grew to 4,000 objects by 1930 thanks to Leo Leirens. Curator Lieven Daenens reorganized it in the 1970s, adding a sub-collection of Italian Postmodernism (Studio Alchimia, Memphis). Now named Design Museum since 2002, it holds over 22,000 pieces. Sports venues include the Ghelamco Arena (opened July 2013) for football club KAA Gent (Buffalos) and the van Eyck swimming pool, Belgium's oldest indoor pool with Art Deco interiors, restored in 2001, featuring the Au Bain lounge bar.