In 2024 it will be 75 years ago that James Ensor died in Ostend. After the successful opening of the renovated Ensorhuis, there will now also be a city-wide event ‘ENSORstad 2024’. For a whole year will Ostend put the artist in the spotlight. They are preparing a programme filled with a mix of activities, exhibitions and festivities.
There will be at least four exhibitions. The main focus is a large exhibition on James Ensor and the still life in Belgium 1830-1930. The city of Ostend will be organising an exhibition in the Venetian Galleries during the summer of 2024 with the working title ‘Ensor and the topography of Ostend’. This exhibition is about Ensor and his connection with urban development. Furthermore, the Ensor House will also organise two exhibitions. The further programming will be finalised in the next three years.
For now, you can come take a look inside Ensor’s house and his art collection. Ensor has lived in Ostend all his life, apart from three years of study in Brussels. Rarely- and never for long- did he leave the city. The focus is on the exhibition in MUZEE about Ensor and life in Belgium from 1830- 1930. The city also owns more than 350 pieces by Ensor, including 22 paintings.
Highly recommended is the Ensor tour: The trip starts at the Ensor House, taking you to 13 different places. There is unique audio and visual material available for each of these places!
Some extra information:
Ensorhouse
Vlaanderenstraat 29
8400 Oostende
The James Ensor House is open from 10 am – 6 pm.
Closed on Mondays, except during Belgian school holidays and public holidays.
The museum is also closed on 01/01 and 25/12.
A visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. For the family trail with the search for the false Ensor, you should allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Take this into account when booking tickets (they close at 6 pm)!
– Tickets cost between 6€ – 12€
– The nearest parking lots are Parking Centrum and Parking Kursaal 2 at 150 metres from the museum. There are also some parking spaces available for people with disabilities
– Are you using a wheelchair, walker or pushchair? The entire James Ensor House is easily accessible for less mobile visitors. For people with reduced mobility, there is a possibility to sit down at several places during the visit
– People with visual or hearing impairments can also comfortably complete the whole visit. The audioguides have texts with audio description and there are separate devices with scroll texts. There are also various tactile elements Guide dogs are welcome in the museum (certificate)