Ostend, the city of James Ensor
...and James Ensor, the painter from Ostend.
The famous painter (1860–1949) and his city are inextricably linked and Ostend makes a substantial effort to ensure they always will be. Which is a good thing too! We can't think of a better place to keep the legacy of this Symbolist, a major innovator in the Belgian contemporary art world, alive. Curious? Then follow us!
New: visit 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.
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.
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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Mu.ZEE
Mu.ZEE – Art museum at the seaside
Mu.ZEE is the museum for Belgian art with absolute openness and accessibility. It tells stories with a unique Belgian art collection from 1830 to now and is in constant conversation with the international art scene through its state-of-the-art exhibition programme and collection policy. Artists and public will find each other in a museum where they can experiment, question and discover. ...
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Self-portrait with flowered hat
Actually the only thing missing in Ensor's house is his art! All the artworks on display are reproductions. But don't worry, in Mu.ZEE, Ostend’s art museum, you can see several Ensors, the masterpieces in the museum's collection.
You can never separate Ensor from Ostend
We continue our walk, Ensor umbrella in hand, which we purchased in the nice museum shop. Our walk ends in the Church of Our Lady of the Dunes, on the fringe of the city. Ensor is buried in the churchyard of this church, in accordance with his wishes. The locals also call it the Ensor Church.
What a phenomenal man James Ensor was. He chose to live in Ostend, embittered and disappointed by the bourgeoisie after several unhappy years in Brussels.
You can never separate Ensor from Ostend.
