Stadsmuseum

Ostend


One might expect this museum, occupying a house that hosted Napoleon in 1798 and Belgian royals from 1834–1850, to be a little more grandiose and exciting than it is. That said, it's the best place to get an introduction to the fascinating and, at times, troubled history of a city that has served as an important gateway to Europe for centuries. Multimedia displays, artefacts and models of 'lost' buildings recount the city's former glories.

More importantly, they hint at a brighter future in light of the present-day economic and cultural upswing.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ostend attractions

1. Marien Ecologisch Centrum

0.09 MILES

This educational operation has a little one-room collection of seashells and sand that you can examine under the microscope.

2. Statue of Marvin Gaye

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Soul superstar Marvin Gaye wrote his last hit, 'Sexual Healing', in 1981 while living in Ostend. His residency is marked by a wildly tacky statue of the…

3. St-Petrus-&-Pauluskerk

0.29 MILES

Ostend’s most striking historical building features beautifully ornate twin spires, a rose window and a gloomy neo-Gothic interior. It was consecrated on…

4. De Niewe Oostende Pier

0.36 MILES

Ostend's modern pier isn't as long or grand as many of its counterparts along the coast, but it does make for a nice stroll on a warm day. When the wind…

5. Museumschip Amandine

0.38 MILES

The last Ostend trawler to have fished around Iceland (1970s) is brought to life with waxwork figures, videos and sound effects. Highlights include the…

6. Mercator

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This fully rigged, three-masted 1932 sailing ship was once used for Belgian Navy training purposes and is now a nautical museum that hosts changing…

7. Mu.Zee

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Mu.Zee, Ostend’s foremost gallery, features predominantly local artists. There’s a significant collection by symbolist painter Léon Spilliaert (1881–1946)…

8. Shinkaitei Tuin

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Evolving since 2001, architect Takashi Sawano has faithfully reproduced a Japanese garden just blocks from Ostend's seashore. Come to wander through its…

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