Artists’ homes

Stained glass windows, chandeliers and furniture, ceramic floor tiles, faience – the sculptor and ceramist Lucien De Gheus had many talents. Every detail in this dwelling was designed by the artist, attesting to his creative versatility.

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Does Watou ring a bell? The artists’ village, where the eponymous arts festival takes place every summer, is just a stone’s throw away. 

The location of this museum alone makes your visit worthwhile: close to the beach of Sint-Idesbald, in a nineteenth-century fisherman’s cottage. You find various works here, some donated by the painter himself. Highlights of your visit: the mysterious paintings La Gare Forestiere and The Narrator.

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Of course, the great surrealist is also to be found outside Koksijde. In Veurne, there are two paintings in the Vrij Vaderland experience centre. After reserving or on pre-announced dates, you are also welcome for the Kursaal Art Route. This walk takes you past the frescoes that Delvaux painted for the casino. 

In this atelier, art and architecture come together in an oasis of inspiration and tranquillity. The exhibition space, the garden and the atelier form an impressive overall concept filled with analogies to the work of artist Luc Peire.

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Where can you find inspiration for art that is characterised by light and spatial effects? In nearby Zwin. A walk through the nature reserve is always an invigorating idea. 

Constant Permeke’s family home, painting and sculpture atelier is a gem. The modernist country house was designed by architect Pierre Vandervoort, in close consultation with the artist himself. Inside, there are masterpieces by Permeke; outside there are those of nature. Because, around the house, a beautiful ecological garden is under construction.

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Constant Permeke lived in Ostend for a long time. Very appropriately, Mu.ZEE – the local museum of modern and contemporary Belgian art – has many works by the master in its permanent collection. Definitely worth a visit. 

This is a special stop in your Master Tour. The artist’s home this time serves as the home and atelier of Martin Wallaert, the sole surviving painter of the Latem School. The house is a veritable museum, in which the artist displays his private collection as well as his own work. It includes top pieces by Gustave and Léon De Smet, Frits Van den Berghe and Constant Permeke.

Edgar Gevaert had many talents. The entrepreneur’s son from Oudenaarde was painter, poet, writer and composer. Today, his atelier and home is an interesting museum, where you can admire works by Xavier De Cock, Valerius de Saedeleer, George Minne, Albert Servaes, Léon and Gustave De Smet and Frits Van den Berghe, among others.

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Edgar Gevaert was married to Marie Minne, daughter of the famous sculptor. The Dhondt-Dhaenens Museum, in Sint-Martens-Latem, contains a number of gorgeous pieces by George Minne, including The Small Relic Bearer and The Docker.  

All the big names from the Museum Gevaert-Minne can also be found in the Mudel, the Museum of Deinze and the Lys Region. In the permanent collection, you can admire works by major Latem names such as Albert Saverys, Constant Permeke, George Minne, Gustave Van de Woestyne and Roger Raveel. In 2024, the museum is organising a retrospective of Emile Claus, the most important representative of impressionism in our country. 

This artist’s home is a journey through time. The living room, the atelier and the bedroom are still exactly as they were when Gust De Smet lived there. On the walls, there are dozens of canvases and drawings by the great expressionist. The highlight: Village Sunshine, the portrait of a young woman who looks at you with large eyes.

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Gust De Smet took his inspiration from the environment. Experience the magic of the beautiful Lys Region yourself: cruise down the Golden River by boat.

Work by Gust De Smet can also be found in the Dhondt-Dhaenens Museum and in Mudel (Museum of Deinze and the Lys Region). A visit is definitely worthwhile.

Felix De Boeck, artist and farmer, farmer and artist, worked and lived on this farm. The artist’s home pays tribute to his innovative oeuvre, which was a major influence on modern painting in Belgium. In the orchard – which today is part of a biodiversity project – two cows graze, just like in De Boeck’s own time.  

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Work by Felix De Boeck can also be found in the Museum of Abstract Art in Jette. This museum – the first in Belgium – is located next to the house that René Magritte lived in for many years. 

In the heart of Lier, you can find this former home of Oscar Van Rompay. It was here where the artist drew and painted a vast oeuvre of landscapes, cityscapes, circus scenes, portraits and still lifes. Some fifty works are exhibited in this 19th century house, which is still decorated and furnished as it was in the painter’s time. The house and accompanying garden are recognised as a heritage site. 

“Genk is made for painting,” said landscape painter Emile Van Doren. You can see that in this museum, located in his former villa Le Coin Perdu. Here, you find the original furniture, along with ornamental objects and paintings in their original context.

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Would you like to admire the landscapes that Emile Van Doren captured on canvas in real life? You can do so with a walk or bike ride through the impressive Limburg nature.

During Emile Van Doren’s lifetime, coal was discovered in Genk. On this page you can read more about Limburg’s rich mining past.