Stam, City history museum in Ghent, Belgium
Stam is a city history museum in Ghent, Belgium, set on the historic Bijloke site, which was once used as a hospital. It features a permanent exhibition on the city's development alongside temporary shows on themes such as football, resistance, and urban life.
The Bijloke site, where the museum stands, was founded as a hospital in 1228 and served the community for centuries. It later became a medical school and a music center before being converted into a museum space.
The STAMplein, a central square inside the museum, displays objects from different periods of the city's history and hosts temporary exhibitions. Children can take part in activities where they play merchants or city travelers, which makes the visit engaging for families.
A visit works well as an introduction to Ghent before exploring the city on foot, since the exhibitions give a broad overview of how the city developed. Tickets can be booked online in advance to avoid waiting, and discounts are available for certain visitors.
Inside the museum, a large aerial photo of Ghent hangs from the ceiling so visitors can look down at the city from above. This view shows at a glance how the different neighborhoods and waterways connect to one another.
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