The Virgin Ghent
A wonderful gift
Several creative musicians, photographers and artists live and work in Ghent. Whether they write a song about it, record a movie in the streets or just post pictures on social media, they are all great ambassadors of our city. Contemporary artist and painter Michaël Borremans gave Ghent a very special gift. His first work in public space can be seen in the heart of the city.
On november 18, 2014 the little fresco 'De Maagd' (The Virgin) was revealed. I first followed the reaction of Pierke Pierlala, a popular figure and famous in Ghent, who called it an 'enlarged stamp'. But if you look closer, you'll see a warm, dark and mysterious portrait of a young woman. Borremans' 60x70cm fresco is a gift to the city. The work should speak for itself, the painter wouldn't give any explanation about it.
If you know the work of Borremans, you will feel the well known fascination you can sense from his other paintings. The strong rays of light coming out of the young woman's eyes are mysterious. Maybe a link to the Ghent Altarpiece?
You can find it on the new concrete clock tower next to the new City pavilion. Where you can find Borremans' signature, that's something to discover yourself.
About this spot
Goudenleeuwplein
- 24 hours daily
€
free
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Ghent
STAM
Ghent city museum
"STAM" is Ghent's city museum. It's located in the old abbey. I must say, if you haven't been to this museum, you haven't been in Ghent!
By
Nick
Provoost
Eetkaffee Multatuli
Fair food
"Eetkaffee Multatuli" in Ghent is a true hidden gem of a spot. Please, keep quiet about this restaurant as I don't want it to become more popular!
By
Nick
Provoost
Noodlebar Ramen
Fresh - cosy - no-nonsense
"Noodlebar Ramen" is a fresh, cozy and no-nonsense noodle restaurant in Ghent. The owner has published several books on street food. I come here for lunch.
By
Nick
Provoost
MSK
Museum voor Schone Kunsten
"MSK" in Ghent, or Museum voor Schone Kunsten (fine arts) doesn't look so big from the outside. For me, a walk there is the perfect Sunday afternoon...
By
Tahnee
Naesen
Citadelpark
Green and culture go hand in hand
"Citadelpark" in Ghent, only 800m from Sint-Pieters station, is the oldest and biggest park in the city - the perfect place for picnics and outdoor games.
By
Dieter
Covent
Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke
Handmade chocolates
"Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke" in Ghent is a shop run by my family that specialises in Belgian pralines, or chocolate! Do try our Brasil mix...
By
Dieter
Covent
City Park
Green heart of Ghent
"City Park" is a small park next to the much-discussed City Hall - a meeting place for young and old. I enjoy getting philosophical with the view here...
By
Dieter
Covent
Le Bal Infernal
Used book café
"Le Bal Infernal" in Ghent is a used book cafe where you go inside, admire the beautiful interior and switch the books with one you have already!
By
Tahnee
Naesen
Damberd
Discover Jazzy Ghent
"Damberd" is the best example of that they call a 'Belgisch bruin café' in Ghent and one of its oldest bards. Very popular with the jazz crowd!
By
Nick
Provoost
Yoga-on-call
De-stress like a local
"Yoga-on-call" is a contemporary yoga studio in the heart of Ghent. All the teachers are enthusiastic and helpful and speak English. I'm always energized.
By
Nick
Provoost
Simon Says
Time for coffee and much more
"Simon Says" in Ghent is more than a coffee bar. They offer breakfast, lunch and great cakes. I don't like coffee but it's said that theirs is the best.
By
Nick
Provoost
Rococo
Cozy and romantic
"Rococo" in Ghent's very cozy old neighborhood Patershol is also a cozy and romantic bar. It's known among locals as 'Betty'. Have some 'liquer d'amour'...
By
Nick
Provoost
Heading to Ghent?
112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Ghent this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 112 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Ghent
Get to know our other Spotters from Ghent
As featured on:
