Ensor House

Het James Ensorhuis 3 © Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie
Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie

Ensor House

Practical information
Tourist information
The James Ensor House in Ostend is a must-visit for art lovers and anyone interested in learning more about the independent-minded painter James Ensor. Located in the heart of the city, the house offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of one of the greatest Flemish masters. It was here that Ensor created many of his masterpieces, inspired by the unique atmosphere of the coastal city and the world of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The house is now a place where visitors can soak up the atmosphere of yesteryear. In the adjacent building, an interactive exhibition takes you through Ensor's fascinating artistic development and his influence on modern art. The James Ensor House is not only a place for culture, but also a travel in time to the world of the artist, with its colourful and often unconventional vision. The exhibition space also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions where original works can be admired.

Het James Ensorhuis 4 © Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie
Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie

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

This painting on panel shows Fort Wellington.  This was a brick fort erected in the dunes to the west of Ostend during the Napoleonic period.  Back then, the city centre was a lot smaller and the dunes began where the Thermae Palace hotel now stands.

Today, this spot is occupied by the grandstand of the Wellington Racecourse.  
The back of the work bears the date '30 August 1876' and the inscription 'morning' / 'west'.  Ensor thus painted this work as a 16-year-old.  During that period, he often recorded the date and time he created a work. This is an indication that, even then, he was taking the light into account.

A few days before (on 28 August 1876), Ensor also painted Fort Napoleon, which is located on the other side of the port.  Both works belong to the city's collection (Mu.ZEE collection).

Ensor Fort Wellington, 1876
Mu.ZEE Oostende
Ensorhuis (c) Piet De Kersgieter (34)
Piet De Kersgieter
Ensorhuis (c) Piet De Kersgieter (11)
Piet De Kersgieter
Ensorhuis (c) Piet De Kersgieter (17)
Piet De Kersgieter

Practical information

Address

Vlaanderenstraat 29
8400 Oostende
Belgium
View directions

Opening hours

  • The James Ensor House is open from 10:00 until 18:00.
  • Closed on Mondays, except during Flemish school holidays and on public holidays.
  • The house is also closed on 01/01 and 25/12. On 24 and 31 December, the James Ensor House closes at 17:00.

Accessibility

  • The entire James Ensor House provides good access for the less mobile visitor.

Useful to know

  • Standard price: 13 euros
  • Young children (< 6 years): free
  • Older children (6 - 14 years): 6 euro
  • Students (15 - 25 years): 9 euros
  • Museum pass (can be purchased on site): free of charge
  • Teacher's card, Vayamundo, Plus Magazine, Knack: 11 euros

Other sites nearby

La gare forestière van Paul Delvaux
Foundation Paul Delvaux

Paul Delvaux Museum (Koksijde)

Paul Delvaux’s oeuvre is noted for its mysterious, dreamlike scenes. Visit the museum and look for the painting of La Gare forestière.
Christus wast met zijn bloed de zielen uit het vagevuur vrij van Vigor Bouquet (detail)
Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders

Saint Walburga’s Church (Veurne)

The Veurne painter Vigor Boucquet was known as a portraitist and his work is on display in a number of churches in West Flanders.