Logo en

S.M.A.K.

S.M.A.K. shows art from its own collection in dialogue with works of contemporary artists from all corners of the world. By means of contemporary art, we seek and give meaning to this complex and fragmented world. In doing so, we make every effort to be accessible and inclusive, because art is for everyone. Because we experiment, every visit becomes exciting. Meet artists with a surprising and visionary view of the world and sharpen your perspective. Slowly recover from the many impressions at Wilde Weide or by taking a walk in the park.
Visit the website

Practical information

Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Gent

Phone +3293236001

Getting here

Opening hours

S.M.A.K. is open from Tuesday to Sunday
Weekdays (outside school holidays): 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Weekends, public holidays and school holidays: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Open until 10:00 pm on the first Thursday of every month (except in July, August and September)
On 24 and 31 December: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Closed on Mondays
Closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January

Gevel photo Martin Corlazzoli 74

S.M.A.K. exhibits artworks from its own collection in dialogue with works by contemporary artists from all corners of the world. Through contemporary art, we seek and provide meaning to this complex and fragmented world. In doing so, we focus maximally on accessibility and inclusivity, because art is for everyone. Meet artists with a surprising and visionary view of the world and sharpen your perspective. You can slowly unwind from the many impressions in museum café Wilde Weide or by taking a walk in the park. 

Under the inspiring leadership of curator and 'art pope' Jan Hoet, a high-profile figure, the former 'Contemporary Art Department' of the MSK received its own museum: S.M.A.K. In 2005, Philippe Van Cauteren took the helm. With a great heart for art in relation to a changing society, he looks at the art world with a broad perspective.

Under his leadership, the exhibition program was mainly focused on major monographic exhibitions of leading artists. His special interest in art in the public space manifested itself in the international exhibition TRACK (2012) which he organized in Ghent.

Daniel Buren, Le Décor et son Double, 1986. Long-term loan Collection of the Flemish Community

Chambres d'Amis turns 40

to 10.01.2027
Carole Vanderlinden Facetoface website

Carole Vanderlinden | Keep a promise

to 11.10.2026
Francisca Garcia and Mario Navarro Unearthed Conversation Film Still 1

Francisca García & Mario Navarro | Unearthed conversation

to 13.09.2026
Joseph Beuys Wirtschaftswerte 1980

Joseph Beuys | Wirtschaftswerte: a conservation history

to 13.09.2026
Narcisse Tordoir

Narcisse Tordoir: Fake Barok

to 03.05.2026
RS4004 Hazara Aziz Bow Echo 00025 300dpi cat hpr

Aziz Hazara: Bow Echo

From the Collection

to 03.05.2026
Museumplein 05

Museumplein 05 | Veronika Bezdenejnykh

Images from Home

to 31.08.2026

Upcoming exhibitions

https://smak.be/en/exhibitions
Meg Stuart c Camille Blake 7 portrait

Meg Stuart | Ricochet Days

from 07.09.2026 to 08.11.2026
Studio view, Ana Lupas

Ana Lupas

from 10.10.2026 to 21.02.2027
Bendt Eyckermans, The subject, 2023. Oil on linen, 169 x 155 x 2,5 cm.

Bendt Eyckermans

from 31.10.2026 to 21.02.2027

S.M.A.K. Moves is the participatory platform of S.M.A.K. It provides space for collaboration and innovation. Visitors, artists, partners, and the S.M.A.K. team meet here, creating new perspectives and creative exchanges.
Art has a connecting power that brings people into conversation. Art and culture are not self-evident for everyone, yet art can be meaningful to everyone. Through this platform, we bring people, ideas, and experiments together to shape the museum of tomorrow.
We want to make contemporary art accessible to everyone, because art is a powerful tool for connection and dialogue. It is a universal language that breaks down barriers.

S.M.A.K. Moves does not do this alone; we do it together with various partner organizations. Each project arises from the wishes and needs of the people.

  • Gentle Figures opening maart 2020 photo Jan Opdekamp 12© Jan Opdekamp
    Gentle Figures, 2020
  • SMAK20150924 Maximiliaanpark 7939 web
  • Art for Care samen met BD lancering 14 06 UZ foto Titus Simoens 20© Titus Simoens
    Art for Care, 2022
  • 2019 SMAK demomemo by evavlonk 0156© Eva Vlonk
    Demo Memo, 2019
  • SMAK20160308 Slechtzienden 5586
  • 20161014 SMAK Nieuwe Wandeling 5440