The James Ensor House (Vlaanderenstraat 29)

You can only understand James Ensor and his art if you visit Ostend. The house where he worked and lived from 1917 until his death has been preserved in its original state, so you can still visit it today.

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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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Mu.ZEE (Romestraat 11)

Mu.ZEE manages a collection of Belgian fine art ranging from 1880 to the present day.

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Verhaeren/Ensor: an exceptional dialogue

27/02/2025 > 18/05/2025

In addition to being an internationally renowned poet, Emile Verhaeren (1855-1916) was also a respected art critic with a special interest in the modernist movements of his time. He regularly published contributions on the exhibitions of Les XX in Brussels, for example in the avant-garde magazine L'Art moderne. As a member of Les XX, James Ensor regularly came into contact with other painters, but also with art critics who stood up for him. This is how Verhaeren became friends with Ensor.

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Flemish Masters in situ

Van Eyck. Rubens. The Flemish surrealists and expressionists. In Flanders, old and modern masters are at home. It is here where they lived and worked. Where they found their inspiration. And it is here where you can still see many of their works - sometimes even in unique places.

The work Fort Wellington, an oil on panel painting dating from 1876, can be admired here. 

This painting on panel shows Fort Wellington.  This is a brick fort built in the dunes west of Ostend during the Napoleonic period.  At that time, the city centre was a lot smaller and the dunes began at the height of what is now the Thermae Palace hotel. Today we find the grandstand of the Wellington Racecourse at this place.

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Visit the James Ensor House

Take Ensor home with you

The museum shop sells gadgets, catalogues and all kinds of other things. You can only purchase souvenirs of your visit on location. Definitely worth a visit!

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Accessibility

The entire James Ensor House is highly accessible for less mobile visitors. Naturally visitors with visual impairments can also comfortably visit the exhibition.

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Schools

Do you learn in class about the theme of art or more specifically on James Ensor? Are you attending sea classes with your students and are you looking for an instructive activity? We are ready to welcome you with open arms!

The experience center offers an interactive journey of discovery to children and young people. Attention is paid to the person who was the artist: which themes did he choose and why? Which are his best-known works?

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Groups

Would you like to visit The James Ensorhuis with a (friend) group or association? Are you looking for a suitable team day for your company? We have worked out a number of formulas, one of which certainly qualifies.

Plan your group trip