In Ostend you can find the largest open-air gallery. The Crystal Ship is since 2016 an art festival in which national and international street artists have come to Ostend to leave behind incredible murals. Besides impressive murals you can also discover striking sculptures and installations.
All the artworks can be freely visited and remain for at least 2 years.
In 2011 there was the very first Belgian street art festival in Ostend. From this festival, the Crystal Ship was born. Bjorn Van Poucke is the organizer of the Crystal Ship was also the organizer of the first street art festival. He wants to make all the works accessible for everyone, just like one of the works: “ART IS FOR EVERYBODY”.
There is a different theme surrounding the artworks each year; in 2019, the theme was The Dictatorship of Art. In 2021, the theme was centered on the return to the roots of pure street art. From the local population, the city of Ostend and its history, the street artists draw inspiration.
Free routes are available that will take you past all the artworks. This route can be found on the website of Visit Ostend.
On the map you have a cycling route of 26 km and a walking route of 11 km. It is also indicated where to find a bike rental and where there are tram stops.
Next to this route there is also a handy app that shows you the explanations of all the works of art and offers a handy map? Download the free app ‘Street Art Oostende’ from the Google play store or the Apple app store.