Huis van Alijn
Step back in time at Huis van Alijn, exploring recreated 20th-century shops and homes that vividly capture Ghent's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Huis van Alijn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Huis van Alijn, exploring recreated 20th-century shops and homes that vividly capture Ghent's past.
"A fantastically nostalgic exhibition, a bargain price for a trip down memory lane!"
Allocate ample time
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the detailed exhibits and recreated spaces. :clock1:
Check for special exhibitions
They often have engaging temporary exhibits, like the 90s tribute. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Recreated 20th-Century Shops
Ground floor
Wander through authentic shops from the past, from a bakery to a pharmacy. A true step back in time!
Everyday Life Exhibits
Upper floors
Experience domestic life in Ghent from the 1950s-1970s with detailed room recreations.
Courtyard Café
Central courtyard
Enjoy affordable drinks and snacks in a charming, non-profit café supporting the museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Nostalgia
Language & Refreshments
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate ample time
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the detailed exhibits and recreated spaces. :clock1:
Check for special exhibitions
They often have engaging temporary exhibits, like the 90s tribute. :sparkles:
Enjoy the courtyard café
Great prices and a non-profit initiative supporting the museum. :coffee:
Audio guides are Dutch
Written translations are available, but audio is primarily in Flemish. :flag_be:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate ample time
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the detailed exhibits and recreated spaces. :clock1:
Check for special exhibitions
They often have engaging temporary exhibits, like the 90s tribute. :sparkles:
Enjoy the courtyard café
Great prices and a non-profit initiative supporting the museum. :coffee:
Audio guides are Dutch
Written translations are available, but audio is primarily in Flemish. :flag_be:
Bargain admission price
Excellent value for money, especially with special exhibitions. :euro:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Huis van Alijn for its brilliantly executed, nostalgic journey through 20th-century Ghent life, with recreated shops and homes offering a vivid glimpse into the past. While the museum is compact, it provides a rich experience, and the affordable courtyard café is a delightful bonus. Some find the audio guides to be primarily in Dutch, which can be a minor barrier for non-Flemish speakers.
"We had a brilliant time at the museum. It is hard to pinpoint what the focus is, a museum of life? A museum of time? Hard to explain but so brilliantly done at the same time. We spent a good two hours roaming through the rooms and we were the last people there at closing time, yet didn’t feel rushed out the door. There was also a Fairground/Circus exhibition on at the time of visit which was also brilliant. Slight note that although there are English translations on written signs, all audio seems to be in Flemish so it was the only inaccessible bit for us."
Ben
"September 2025: didn't go in the museum, just enjoyed a beer in the open courtyard. Products, food and beer bought from the shop are non-profit. Sales going to the museum. Well worth a visit. Very cheap. I had a Gentse Gruut Blonde 5.5% and a Drogan Worst (air dried sausage). The Gruut Blonde is made with herbs added. Quite a peculiar taste!"
Mike773 U
"Nice museum about everyday life in the 90s. The museum is quite small so a visit will not take more than two hours. I really like that you can get a headset and listen to videos and music on the way. Most videos are in Dutch. Worth visiting if you are in Ghent."
F. Nobels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huis van Alijn is centrally located in Ghent. You can easily reach it by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option, taking about 10-15 minutes from the main squares. :bus: :walking:
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of Ghent's larger car parks (like St. Pietersplein or Vrijdagmarkt) and walk or take a short tram ride to the museum. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Huis van Alijn typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 5 PM or 6 PM, depending on the season. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit, as they can vary. :calendar:
Admission is generally very affordable, often around €9 for adults, with concessions available for students and seniors. Special exhibitions might have a slightly different pricing structure. :moneybag:
While you can usually purchase tickets at the door, buying them online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or for special exhibitions, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. :computer:
Yes, Huis van Alijn is generally suitable for all ages. Children can enjoy the interactive elements and the novelty of the recreated shops, while adults will appreciate the nostalgic journey. :child:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly, including the recreated shops and living spaces. Some may linger longer if they engage deeply with the exhibits or enjoy a leisurely break at the café. :stopwatch:
While the museum provides detailed exhibits, formal guided tours might not be a daily offering. However, the recreated environments are very immersive, and audio guides are available for some parts of the exhibition. :microphone:
The ground floor with the recreated shops is generally accessible. However, some upper floors with exhibits on domestic life might have stairs, which could pose a challenge for visitors with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly with the museum about specific accessibility details. :wheelchair:
Take your time to wander through the recreated shops and homes, imagining life in Ghent during the 20th century. Engage with the displays, read the information panels, and consider using the audio guide for deeper insights. :bulb:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Huis van Alijn features a charming courtyard café that serves affordable drinks and snacks. It's a non-profit initiative, meaning your purchases contribute to the museum's upkeep. :beer:
The café offers a selection of beverages, including local beers and coffees, as well as simple snacks. It's a great spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere after exploring the exhibits. :croissant:
Being in the heart of Ghent, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries within a short walking distance of Huis van Alijn, offering a wide range of culinary options to suit all tastes and budgets. :forkandknife:
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside Huis van Alijn, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions. :camera:
The recreated shops, with their vintage displays and signage, offer fantastic photo opportunities. The charming courtyard and any special exhibition areas are also great for capturing memorable shots. :art:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While audio guides are primarily in Dutch, the visual nature of the exhibits means children can still enjoy and understand much of what is on display. The courtyard café is also a great spot for families to relax and refuel with affordable snacks. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to give children more space to explore without feeling crowded. :family_mm:
💰 Budget Travelers
Furthermore, the courtyard café offers a budget-friendly option for refreshments. Purchasing drinks and snacks here not only saves money but also directly supports the museum's operations.
🕰️ Nostalgia Seekers
The special exhibitions, such as the 90s tribute, further cater to this audience, offering a focused trip down memory lane. Allow yourself ample time to wander, absorb the details, and let the exhibits transport you back. The experience is often described as a 'trip down memory lane' that resonates deeply with visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through 20th-Century Ghent
Beyond the shops, the museum showcases domestic life with detailed recreations of living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms from the 1950s to the 1970s. These spaces are furnished with original items, providing an intimate look at how families lived, worked, and relaxed. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the wallpaper patterns to the household appliances, making it easy to imagine yourself stepping back in time. Visitors often comment on the powerful sense of nostalgia evoked by these exhibits, sparking memories for some and offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era for others.
Adding to the immersive experience, Huis van Alijn often hosts special temporary exhibitions. These can range from themes like childhood toys and fashion to specific cultural phenomena, such as a popular 90s tribute exhibition that received rave reviews. These rotating exhibits ensure that repeat visits can offer fresh perspectives and discoveries, keeping the museum engaging and relevant for a diverse audience.
The Courtyard Café: More Than Just Coffee
Visitors frequently praise the café for its affordable prices, which stand in pleasant contrast to many tourist-oriented establishments. You can enjoy a refreshing drink, like a Gruut Blonde beer brewed with herbs, or a simple snack without breaking the bank. The atmosphere in the courtyard is relaxed and charming, providing a perfect spot to rest your feet, reflect on the exhibits, or simply soak in the historic ambiance of the almshouse setting.
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