The new GUM (Ghent University Museum) at the heart of the Ghent Botanical Garden, a 'Forum for Science, Doubt  & Art'. 
The famous muralist ROA painted an impressive pile of skeletons on its wall.
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Ghent University Museum

4.6
·483 reviews·Gent, Belgium

Explore a quirky blend of science, art, and history at the Ghent University Museum, complemented by a serene Botanical Garden.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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The new GUM (Ghent University Museum) at the heart of the Ghent Botanical Garden, a 'Forum for Science, Doubt  & Art'. 
The famous muralist ROA painted an impressive pile of skeletons on its wall.

Ghent University Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a quirky blend of science, art, and history at the Ghent University Museum, complemented by a serene Botanical Garden.

4.6
(483 reviews)

"A perfect combo of learning and nature, the GUM and Botanical Garden are awesome and affordable!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Consider a combined ticket for the GUM and Botanical Garden for a full experience.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The Botanical Garden is a must-see! It's a peaceful and beautiful space to relax after the museum.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scientific Artifacts & Specimens

Scientific Artifacts & Specimens

Main Exhibition Halls

Explore historical scientific instruments, preserved specimens in jars, and fascinating artifacts from university research.

Botanical Garden Oasis

Botanical Garden Oasis

Adjacent to the Museum

Wander through lush greenhouses and vibrant outdoor gardens showcasing a diverse collection of tropical and semi-tropical plants.

Interactive Learning Stations

Interactive Learning Stations

Throughout the Museum

Engage with interactive 'games' and tablets that offer explanations in multiple languages, bringing exhibits to life.

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Planning Your Visit

Combine with Botanical Bliss

Don't miss the adjacent Botanical Garden! It's a peaceful escape with diverse plant life, offering a beautiful contrast to the museum's scientific exhibits. Many visitors find the combo a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Pace Yourself for Discovery

While not overly large, the Ghent University Museum (GUM) packs in a lot. Plan for about an hour to explore its quirky collections, from historical scientific tools to preserved specimens. It's a journey through science, art, and university history.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for a leisurely stroll
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Advice please

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Consider a combined ticket for the GUM and Botanical Garden for a full experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The Botanical Garden is a must-see! It's a peaceful and beautiful space to relax after the museum. Reddit

📱 Multilingual Info

Explanations are available on tablets in multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

🕰️ Allow an Hour

The museum is not huge, but it's packed with interesting items. Plan for about an hour to see everything. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Consider a combined ticket for the GUM and Botanical Garden for a full experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The Botanical Garden is a must-see! It's a peaceful and beautiful space to relax after the museum. Reddit

📱 Multilingual Info

Explanations are available on tablets in multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

🕰️ Allow an Hour

The museum is not huge, but it's packed with interesting items. Plan for about an hour to see everything. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(483 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ghent University Museum (GUM) and its Botanical Garden as an awesome, affordable combo of learning and nature. The museum's quirky collection of scientific artifacts and specimens is a hit, especially with families, while the garden offers a peaceful escape. Some find the museum's organization a bit random, but most agree it's a unique and worthwhile experience.

"The GUM (Ghent University Museum) and its Botanical Garden in Ghent are awesome! The museum is fun, mixing old science tools, art, and cool ideas. It’s not too big, so exploring is easy and takes about an hour. The Botanical Garden outside is beautiful, with colorful plants and a peaceful vibe. Walking through the garden feels relaxing, with lots of greenery to enjoy. The museum and garden together make a perfect combo of learning and nature. Entry is affordable, and it’s never too crowded. I loved the mix of science, art, and plants. A must-visit spot in Ghent!"

Ramdas Panicher

"A hidden gem! Fantastic for kids of all ages. Tells a story of scientific work using scientific instruments and other exhibits used by or donated to the university.

Lots of explanations in multiple languages on small screens. Not big but it doesn't have to be considering everything inside.

My favorite was the HPC computer rack used to model weather."

Maarten Thibaut

"Very interesting! You can see real specimens conserved in jars and historical scientific artifacts. There are some interesting interactive "games" in the tablets. The museum also shows you a little bit about the culture and history of the Ghent University, such as prominent professors or investigations. I feel honoured to have studied in Ugent for one exchange semester."

Jiaxiang Jin

What People Like

Unique scientific collection
Beautiful Botanical Garden
Affordable entry

What People Dislike

Seemingly disorganized layout

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The GUM is easily accessible by public transport in Ghent. Tram lines 1 and 10 stop nearby, making it a convenient destination. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center if you enjoy exploring on foot. Reddit

While direct parking at the museum might be limited, there are several public parking garages in Ghent that you can use. From there, it's a short walk or tram ride to the museum. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular and convenient way to get around Ghent. There are usually bike racks available near the museum and Botanical Garden for secure parking. Reddit

The museum is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps and elevators where needed. The Botanical Garden also has paved paths, though some areas might be more challenging. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information. Reddit

From Ghent's historic center, you can take tram lines 1 or 10 directly towards the museum. Alternatively, it's a scenic walk of about 20-30 minutes, allowing you to see more of the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the GUM is quite affordable, with options for combined tickets that include the Botanical Garden. Prices are generally considered reasonable for the experience offered. Reddit

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially for peak times or group visits, is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Check the official website for current booking procedures. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to consult the official Ghent University Museum website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. Reddit

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or specific groups. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or inquire at the ticket counter about any applicable concessions. Reddit

Often, the Botanical Garden can be visited independently, or as part of a combined ticket. Confirm the specific entry policies for the garden on the GUM's official website. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The GUM features a diverse collection including historical scientific instruments, natural history specimens, anatomical models, and artifacts related to the university's history and research. It's a unique blend of science, art, and culture. Reddit+1

Yes, the museum is considered fantastic for kids of all ages. Interactive elements and the quirky arrangement of exhibits can capture their attention and make learning fun. Reddit

Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to explore the museum's main collections. However, if you plan to spend more time in the Botanical Garden, allocate a longer period. Reddit

Information on guided tours might be available through the museum's official channels. It's recommended to check their website or inquire upon arrival for any scheduled tours or audio guides. Reddit

The HPC (High-Performance Computing) computer rack is a specific exhibit that some visitors found particularly interesting, used for modeling complex data like weather patterns. It highlights the evolution of scientific technology. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities. However, there are often cafes or snack bars within the Botanical Garden, or you can find numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Ghent area. Reddit

Generally, consuming outside food and drinks is restricted within museum exhibition areas. Picnicking might be permitted in designated areas of the Botanical Garden, but it's best to confirm their policy. Reddit

The area around the Ghent University Museum and Botanical Garden offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets. Reddit

Yes, there is often a cafe or refreshment area within the Botanical Garden, providing a pleasant spot to rest and enjoy a drink or light snack amidst the greenery. Reddit

Ghent is known for its diverse culinary scene, and you'll find plenty of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options in the vicinity of the museum and garden. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the GUM, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the exhibits. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

Visitors often find the preserved specimens in jars, the historical scientific instruments, and the unique displays of the Botanical Garden to be highly photogenic. The overall quirky arrangement also offers interesting shots. Reddit

Yes, the lush greenery and vibrant plants within the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden make for beautiful photographic opportunities. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the plants. Reddit

Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited within the museum and Botanical Garden premises due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to leave drones at home. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the indoor lighting and the nature of the exhibits, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the displays, and a macro lens might be interesting for specimen details. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ghent University Museum (GUM) is a fantastic destination for families, with reviewers calling it 'fantastic for kids of all ages.' The museum's quirky arrangement of exhibits and interactive 'games' on tablets are designed to engage younger minds and make learning fun. Reddit You'll find a mix of historical scientific tools, preserved specimens, and displays that touch on anatomy and natural history, all presented in an accessible way. The adjacent Botanical Garden also offers a wonderful outdoor space for children to explore and burn off energy amidst nature. Reddit

When visiting with children, consider focusing on the more visually engaging exhibits and the interactive stations. The variety of items on display, from peculiar specimens to old scientific equipment, can spark curiosity and lead to interesting conversations. The Botanical Garden provides a great opportunity for a picnic or a simple run-around, making the entire outing a well-rounded family experience. Reddit+1

🤓 Curious Learners & Science Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in science, history, and the evolution of knowledge, the GUM is a treasure trove. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of historical scientific instruments, offering a glimpse into past research methodologies and technological advancements. You can explore exhibits on medicine, anatomy, and natural history, providing a deep dive into various scientific fields. Reddit+1

The museum's unique approach to curation, blending art with science and historical artifacts, creates a thought-provoking experience. The interactive elements and multilingual explanations enhance the learning journey, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the displayed items. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the dedication and discoveries of academics throughout the university's history. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The GUM's Unique Collection

The Ghent University Museum (GUM) is celebrated for its eclectic and often surprising collection, which spans a vast array of disciplines. Unlike traditional museums, the GUM embraces a more quirky and seemingly disorganized approach, which many visitors find refreshing. You'll encounter everything from anatomical models and historical scientific instruments to preserved specimens in jars and exhibits detailing the culture and history of Ghent University. This interdisciplinary approach means there's truly 'something for everyone,' making it a fascinating exploration of human knowledge and discovery. Reddit+1

One of the standout features is the museum's ability to tell stories through its artifacts. For instance, the HPC computer rack serves as a tangible representation of scientific advancement, illustrating how complex problems like weather modeling are tackled. The interactive tablets also play a crucial role, offering explanations in multiple languages and engaging visitors with 'games' that deepen their understanding of the exhibits. This blend of the tangible and the digital creates a dynamic learning environment that appeals to all ages. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the unexpected nature of the exhibits, with many discovering items that pique their curiosity in ways they hadn't anticipated. The museum doesn't shy away from the more unusual aspects of science and history, making for a memorable and thought-provoking visit. It's a place where you can stumble upon something that truly interests you, whether it's a piece of medical history or a marvel of early technology. Reddit

The Serene Botanical Garden

Adjacent to the Ghent University Museum lies the Botanical Garden, a verdant sanctuary that offers a perfect counterpoint to the museum's scientific explorations. This beautiful space is a haven of tranquility, featuring a diverse collection of plants, including tropical and semi-tropical species housed within charming greenhouses. Reddit

Walking through the garden provides a peaceful and relaxing experience. The vibrant greenery, colorful flora, and the gentle ambiance create an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll. It's a place where visitors can unwind, connect with nature, and appreciate the beauty of the plant kingdom. The contrast between the museum's intellectual stimulation and the garden's natural serenity is a key part of the GUM's appeal. Reddit

Many visitors recommend dedicating time to explore the Botanical Garden, finding it to be a delightful extension of the museum visit. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and discover a variety of plant life in a well-maintained and picturesque environment. Reddit

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