Ghent is set to host its much-anticipated annual Museum Night on Thursday, 4 December, when the city’s museums will open their doors free of charge from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. for an evening filled with exhibitions, interactive workshops, and live performances.
Last year, the event drew nearly 30,000 visitors, and organisers are expecting another strong turnout as locals and tourists alike flock to the city’s cultural hubs. Museum Night has become a highlight of Ghent’s cultural calendar, offering unusual and engaging experiences for audiences of all ages.
The city museum, STAM, will shine the spotlight on football, presenting activities designed for sports enthusiasts and families. Highlights include life-sized table football, a mini-trampoline workshop allowing visitors to practise football dives, and an intriguing visit to Kevin De Bruyne’s childhood bedroom, providing a personal glimpse into the football star’s early life.
At the Museum of Natural Sciences, KINA, visitors will encounter some unconventional activities. The museum will host insect tastings, giving brave attendees the chance to sample edible bugs, alongside a dart game featuring worms, blending curiosity with interactive learning.
The Ghent Design Museum is taking a more experimental approach this year with its “algorave” at the Wintercircus. The performance combines live computer-generated music and visuals, created using data from the museum’s collection, offering a futuristic and immersive experience for visitors interested in technology and art.
For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts, MSK, is planning a unique lineup of activities. Guests will have the chance to enjoy a “silent disco,” moving to music via headphones while exploring the museum, and gain access to the mysterious “Room X,” a hidden basement space that adds an element of surprise and discovery to the evening.
Huis van Alijn, the museum dedicated to local history and traditions, will provide entertainment through magic and mentalism shows, captivating audiences with illusions and thought-provoking performances.
Meanwhile, the Museum of Industry is adding a creative twist with “letter yoga,” an innovative activity that combines yoga exercises with typography, merging movement and design.
Organisers emphasise that Museum Night is designed to be interactive and inclusive. Visitors are encouraged to participate in workshops, try out new experiences, and enjoy the city’s rich cultural offerings in a relaxed evening setting.
The free entry policy makes the event accessible to all, allowing families, students, and tourists to immerse themselves in Ghent’s art, science, and design scenes.
Transportation and logistics will be coordinated to handle the large crowds expected throughout the evening. Museum staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the diverse programme, ensuring safety and a smooth flow between activities.
Ghent’s Museum Night not only highlights the city’s cultural wealth but also encourages engagement with art, science, and history in imaginative ways. From football-themed experiences and insect tastings to algorave performances and silent discos, the event promises something for every visitor, blending education and entertainment seamlessly.
As the city prepares for Thursday’s festivities, the expectation is that Museum Night 2025 will continue the tradition of offering memorable, interactive, and inspiring experiences, reinforcing Ghent’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.
This year’s event underscores the value of creativity and public engagement, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore, interact, and enjoy a night where museums transform into hubs of activity, imagination, and discovery.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
