Masons' Guild Hall
Don't forget to look up!
©Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
Opposite St Nicholas’ Church, on the other side of the street, is the original 16th-century Masons’ Guild Hall. On top of the stepped gable, six figures are dancing merrily. Beneath the building is a 13th-century cellar.
The original Masons’ Guild Hall, indeed. Because there is also an exact copy on the Graslei. This was rebuilt for the World Exhibition in 1913 using the original plans. As it happens, the original had disappeared behind some ugly walls and had then been… forgotten. Until it was rediscovered during renovation work in 1976.
Did you know...? The figures were meant to dance in the wind? Unfortunately, the sculptures are too heavy and they are anchored down.
The information continues beneath the illustrations.
