Agenda: sight, james ensor and walking and cycling in Ostend
Welcome home! Ensor art from the KBC collection
The third temporary exhibition at the James Ensor house since its official reopening in July 2020 will put the KBC Bank's Ensor collection in the spotlight. KBC Bank owns a rich art collection in which the oeuvre of James Ensor occupies a prominent place. It comprises an almost complete collection of prints including etchings, drypoints and lithographs, as well as oil paintings and drawings such as an interesting self-portrait from 1883, based on a photograph. The paintings in the collection are very diverse and cover different periods in the artist's career. There is a self-portrait from 1878, a still life from 1880, a view of the Ostend market from 1882, a typical Ensorian work from 1905, called Pierrot and Skeletons, and finally, a painting from 1912 with the poetic title Faded Perfume, Withered flowers. For this work Ensor found inspiration in a print by the French artist Jean-François Janinet (1752-1814) after a painting by the Swedish painter Niclas Lafrensen (1737-1807), entitled L'Aveu difficile (The difficult confession). The collection itself illustrates in a striking way the varied styles and different art techniques mastered by the Ostend artist. The exhibition will take place from April 21st to August 29th.
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The Crystal Ship 2021
The Crystal Ship is a contemporary art festival that specializes in public space producing different installations, sculptures and murals each year. All artworks remain permanently in the public domain and can be visited freely.
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Ensor walk
Download the app and take the brand-new Ensor-themed walk to visit all the locations that were significant to the life and work of James Ensor. You will be given information and will be able to see things for yourself at each of these places, using the latest high-tech. Young and older Ensor fans will love this walk. ...
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The James Ensor House
This newly created experience centre contains James Ensor’s original house and five interactive adventure spaces. Bring Ensor’s paintings to life, admire his interior decorations and carnival masks, look through his letters and photographs and then take a peek at his authentic home and studio. At home with Ensor. Like to visit this attraction at a discount? Print your free Coast Pass now on www.kustpas.be/home/register.
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Het Groen Lint
Ostend has more to offer than just the sea. Did you know that Ostend has a surprisingly green city edge? To strengthen that green city edge, the City had a master plan developed to connect all green zones and landscapes: The Green Ribbon. This green ribbon forms an attractive 35 km loop for cyclists and walkers, connecting 15 existing and new green areas in the city outskirts, exactly like a necklace with 15 beads. ...
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TikTokTour
Ostend has its own TikTokTour now! This crazy TikTok tour takes you to ten highlights of our lovely City by the Sea where you can recreate fun TikTok videos. Get your free TikTokTour at the Ostend Tourist Information Centre or download the tour at www.tiktokoostende.be.
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The Crystal Ship - Street Art in Oostende
Discover “The Crystal Ship” in Ostend: renowned and world-famous artists make enormous paintings on walls as well as fantastic art installations in open spaces.
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Dikke Mathille
The Leopold II-laan curves gracefully around the most famous sculpture of a woman in Oostende: De Zee (The Sea). Although Reclining Nude is another name for this lady the locals always refer to her as ‘Dikke Mathille’ (Fat Mathille). Grard emphasised the volume of the full, round forms. In De Zee he portrayed the opulence and sensuality of the sea in a female figure. Until 1963 the work of art adorned the Kursaal Casino.
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Railway station Oostende
Eclectic station complex consisting of a central entrance hall flanked by two square "Tower buildings". On the left side adjacent to the station the former "Hotel Terminus Maritime".
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Walk 'Tasteful Heritage'
Ostend is a city with a rich history. This walk takes you in a tasteful way along a selection of beautiful heritage sites. A few stunning houses in a nutshell, where you can also satisfy your hunger or quench your thirst. “Tasteful Heritage” is the result of a collaboration between Dement and Toerisme Oostende. The aim is to put forgotten architectural gems back in the spotlight. Feast your eyes on them and enjoy! ...
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