This exhibition examines the similarities and differences between the purchasing
policy of Jan Hoet, the founder of S.M.A.K. (Municipal Museum of Contemporary
Art), and that of the art collecting couple Roger and Hilda Matthys-Colle. Dr.
Roger Matthys stood at the cradle of the Association for the Museum of
Contemporary Art (V.M.H.K.), which had the ambition to open its own museum and
also purchased art. As president of the association, Matthys had a lot of
influence on the purchasing policy of the V.M.H.K. His private collection
included quite some works that were exhibited in or purchased by the museum.
Both collections are closely intertwined and complement each other.
The Matthys-Colle Collection spans fifty years. In an early stage Roger Matthys
purchased works of art for his private collection as well as for the collection
of the V.M.H.K. In his purchases he did not focus on one specific movement, but
rather created a collection that is representative of all art movements from the
second half of the twentieth century.
In 2020, the S.M.A.K. received 39 works on long-term loan, which now constitute
the basis for this exhibition. Both collections include or at one time included
work by every single artist represented in the exhibition.
The archive exhibition on the upper floor delves deeper into the Matthys-Colle
Collection and the figure of Jan Hoet, while in the room of the association of
the Friends of S.M.A.K. you will discover a selection of works by artists
represented in the Matthys-Colle Collection and exhibited by the V.M.H.K.
The square kilometre: Dampoort
Description
At STAMplein square, a separate part of the museum with changing programmes, you can visit the heritage project “The square kilometre”. Here you can learn all about the Dampoort neighbourhood.
Historian in residence Tina de Gendt and researcher Thirza Vandenabeele delve deep into the history of the area around the Gent-Dampoort railway station. Contrary to Ledeberg, Rabot and Brugse Poort, which were the central topic of the project “The square kilometre”, the Dampoort area is not what you could call a “neighbourhood”. It is composed of parts of the districts Ham, Macharius, Dendermondsesteenweg and Antwerpsesteenweg.
Prefer not to wait in line at the ticket booth? Want to be sure you can discover the STAM when you want to? Then book your tickets online in advance and enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Are you driving to Ghent? First check whether you may enter the city centre with your vehicle. Clean vehicles may enter the city centre free of charge, polluting vehicles have to pay. Is your vehicle allowed to enter, but do you not have a Belgian or Dutch number plate? You will ALWAYS have to register!
Tickets
Basic price
Free