Large swathes of the Ghent Altarpiece had been painted over. That took place several times in the centuries after Van Eyck. Even the lamb got a facelift. It now looks us in straight in the eye once again, like it was originally intended. But why did subsequent generations decide to make alterations to this masterpiece?
How can mortals ever truly perceive God? This is a theological discussion people had been having for centuries in Van Eyck’s time. The artist himself attempted to answer this question through his art. He had a vision like no other and converted it into in oil paintings. But before we talk about this in more detail, we need to talk about something else first. Ghentians of that time never saw the Ghent Altarpiece the way we do today.
Since 2021, the Ghent Altarpiece has been displayed at a new location in the cathedral. This is the third time the painting has been given a new spot. We were pretty nervous about this relocation, but after centuries, the work can once again be seen in its original splendour.
Industry and Ghent have been inextricably linked for three centuries. You can discover a great deal of industrial heritage in the city – whether on foot or by bike – and in the Museum of Industry, you will also find industrial treasures from the past.
The invisible new structure of St Bavo’s Cathedral
My visiting card says ‘Senior Project Manager’ at Bressers Architecten, but it might as well have been ‘site manager’ or ‘full-time meeting participant’. The construction of the visitor centre inside St Bavo's Cathedral cost us a lot of time and effort — but it was well worthwhile for such a masterpiece.
A Burgundian, yet sustainable lifestyle: it’s possible
The epicureans among us can enjoy good food without having to give up on their social and environmental awareness. In Ghent, we have been demonstrating for years that even the most Burgundian food culture can be based on sustainable values: local, zero waste, vegetable.
Ghent’s street art scene is a fascinating melting pot
Ghent owes its flourishing street art scene to generations of artists rebelliously doing their thing, often in empty properties. Today, Ghent’s legal graffiti circuit is also alive and kicking, allowing every type of artist to seize their opportunity.
Hilde Langeraert has worked at the Museum of Industry in Ghent for ten years. As a history student, she fell in love with the museum because the subject fascinates her. How are goods manufactured? Where do people work? The relevance of her research topic is what drives Hilde Langeraert forward. As curator, she coordinates all exhibitions that come to life at the Museum of Industry.
Maaike Blancke (Bressers Architecten) from Ghent is an art historian, interior architect and restoration expert. She worked on several Ghent landmarks, including the kiosk in Citadelpark and the Town Hall, but her biggest feat so far is the new visitor centre in St Bavo's Cathedral which houses the restored Ghent Altarpiece.
