Summer at GUM & Botanic Garden
Fancy a surprising summer’s day in Ghent? You’re in the right place at GUM and Botanic Garden. From tropical greenhouses and shady paths to surprising insights and art with a twist. Here, your head heats up with ideas, while your body cools down amidst the greenery. Whether you’re on a city trip, out with children, or just looking for something more than a terrace: there’s so much to discover here this summer.
A Visit to the Botanic Garden
Summer? You can smell it, see it and feel it in the Botanic Garden.
As well as a large outdoor garden with an arboretum, rock garden and Mediterranean garden, the Botanic Garden also has 4,000 m2 of heated and unheated greenhouses. And more than 10,000 plant species from all over the world!
Embark on a journey of discovery through the different climate zones. Admire the giant water lilies in the Victorian Greenhouse, enjoy the fragrance of citrus flowers in the Subtropical Greenhouse and gaze up at the African baobab in the Tropical Greenhouse. Relax in the Succulent Glasshouse, the ideal biotope of succulents and cacti — and a wonderfully fresh space on a sunny day.
And every day, the Botanic Garden looks different. In summer, the garden really comes to life: you can see, feel and smell as everything blooms, perspires and buzzes with energy.
Bar open in the Palmarium
Fancy a break among the greenery? The cozy café in the Palmarium is open during Ghent Festival, the place to cool off with a drink in the shade of plants.
ROA on the facade of GUM
ROA is one of the world’s top street artists and is known for his black and white murals of animals. You can find his works all over the world, including in his hometown of Ghent.
For his work on the GUM building, ROA sought inspiration from the museum’s collections and stories. The 290 m2 facade forms the impressive canvas for skeletons of an elephant, grizzly bear, okapi and rhino, among others. The artwork can partly be seen from the street, but from the Botanic Garden you get a unique view of the entire scene.
GUM with children
Are you on a day-out with curious children? Then our museum is a must!
Professor DOUBT and the reSEARCH are discovery quests for kids in the museum. Discover GUM in a fun way with our family games! Children from the age of 4 can go on an adventure with Professor DOUBT, and those a little older (> 9 yrs) can enjoy the reSEARCH. Grown-up doubters are of course also welcome!
This duo is permanently available for families during the opening hours of the museum, and ideal as an original summer activity with the whole family.
Still not had enough?
The Citadel Park is just a two-minute walk away: a green oasis where you can stretch out in the shade. Prefer to soak up some more art? Both the SMAK and MSK are nearby and offer a wealth of contemporary and classic masterpieces. Let curiosity be your guide.
See you soon!
