©Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
Did you know that the Bijloke site was the centre of healthcare in Ghent for more than 750 years? Today, it is the beating cultural heart of Ghent. The site is home to no less than 17 different cultural organisations, including STAM - Ghent City Museum, Bijloke Music Centre, KASK School of Arts and the HOGENT music school, LOD music theatre and laGeste dance company.
History
The Maria hospital moved from the city centre to the Bijlokemeersen pastures in the 13th century. Later, an abbey for Cistercian nuns was established next to the Bijloke hospital. This long history of healthcare on the Bijloke site came to an end in 1982. Since then, the site has transformed into a campus for culture, art and education, where architecture and the cohesion of the site are central.
KASK School of Arts & HOGENT music school, Bijloke Music Centre and Ghent City Museum (STAM) are a few of the many organisations that find their home at this unique site today. The gardens literally connect the different cultural organisations at the Bijloke site.
The Bijloke site became a listed site in 1980 and the restoration of the site won the Flemish Monument Prize in 2011.
Bijloke Music Centre
Arts campus
Today, the Bijloke site is a bustling arts campus where culture and knowledge meet. It is also a green oasis where you can take a break. The Bijloke site is the place to be for a picnic: enjoy the radiant spring sun in the orchard between centuries-old fruit trees…
Another tip: be sure to visit the Bijloke site during the month of April, as Jozef Kluyskensstraat transforms into a beautiful floral scene thanks to the blossoming Japanese cherry trees! In summer, too, there is always something to do at the Bijloke site: many festivals have found their permanent home here.
Japanese cherry trees in full bloom at the Bijloke site.
Guided tour
Want to know more about this historic site? Discover all the gems this site has to offer during a historic guided tour!
To be found at the Bijloke site
The information continues beneath the illustrations.
Entrance fee
Basic price
free
Tickets
Tip: the Hop-on Hop-off water tram is an easy way to travel from the city centre to the Bijloke site. Get off at the stop 'museumsite'. Consult rates and sailing times here.
