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. While the Ensor House was already open to the public, its potential was not fully utilised. That is why the City of Ostend acquired the adjoining dwellings, adding 690 sqm to the house.
The buildings were converted into an interactive experience centrum that introduces you to Ensor and his world. These rooms, which are decorated with authentic furniture, reproductions and small documentary presentations, offer a unique opportunity to explore the space where the artist worked and lived. Five rooms each shine a spotlight on a specific theme:
- Introduction to Ensor’s world
- Interiors
- Ensor’s public life
- Criticism
- Masks and strange figures
You learn more about the many facets of this interesting artist.
Every target group, from art connoisseurs to children, is introduced to Ensor and his world on their level in an interactive presentation. Visitors are also given tailor-made audio guides. Gust Van Yper, Ensor’s manservant, guides the youngest visitors through the house. A privileged experience. Gust reveals countless anecdotes about the many famous people that visited him, about life in the house and the family members. Here you can sense, listen to and see James Ensor. Your visit ends in the exhibition room. The James Ensor House hosts several temporary exhibitions in collaboration with the Ensor expert Xavier Tricot.
Tickets
| Normal tariff | 13 euro |
|---|---|
| Children (under 6 years) | free |
| Young people (6 - 14 years) | 6 euro |
| Students (15 - 25 years) | 9 euro |
| Museumpass (can be purchased at the reception) | free |
| Teachers, Vayamundo, Plus Magazine, Knack | 11 euro |
An overview with all rates can be found in the webshop.
Museum Pass: 1 pass, more than 243 museums: visit all participating Belgian museums for a year. Whenever you want and as often as you want, for only €59.
Want to use the pass right away? Then buy it at the reception desk.
Please note that the museum pass is only valid for individual visits. It is not valid on a group visit to the James Ensor House.
Opening hours + extra information
The James Ensor House is open from 10 am until 6 pm.
Closed on Mondays, except on Flemish public holidays and during Flemish school holidays.
The house is also closed on 01/01 and 25/12. On 24 and 31 December, The James Ensor House closes at 5pm.
The visit takes about 1 / 1.5 hour(s).
For the family visit with the search for the false Ensor, it is best to count 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep this in mind when booking the tickets (we close at 6 pm)!
Dogs are not allowed (except assistance dogs with a certificate).
Situation
Vlaanderenstraat 29 (on the corner of Vlaanderenstraat - Van Iseghemlaan)
8400 Oostende
info@jamesensorhuis.be
Where to park?
Ensor for families
In a playful and interactive way, young visitors learn all about the wonderful world of James Ensor. The clues offered in the booklet, help to discover the false Ensor in the James Ensor House. Outside again, the Ostend of Ensor awaits you for the family trail. It's packed with fun assignments and crazy riddles and guides you through the city that was Ensor's muze.
Accessibility
In a wheelchair? The entire James Ensor House is highly accessible for less mobile visitors.
The entire James Ensor House is highly accessible for less mobile visitors. Naturally visitors with visual impairments can also comfortably visit the exhibition. We offer visitors audio guides and iPods as well as several tactile exhibits. Guide dogs are also welcome in the museum.
If you are accompanying a person with a disability, you can purchase a free ticket. The European Disability Card must be presented for this purpose. The person with a disability pays the normal fare.
You cannot park at the entrance of the James Ensor House. The nearest car parks are Parking Centrum and Parking Kursaal 2, which are just 150 metres from the museum. Both car parks have reserved spaces for people with disabilities.
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?
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.
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!
