Ostend City Guide
Ostend, with its beautiful beaches and interesting museums and parks is a great destination on Belgium’s attractive coastline. Take in some sea air on the Western Pier, explore Fort Napoleon and admire modern art at the PMMK Museum.
What to do and see in and around Ostend
Fort Napoleon
Built in 1811 by Napoleon, to safeguard the coast from the English, this fascinating fort never actually saw action and instead has been used as storage for ammunition, a museum and a children’s playground. It now serves as an exhibition centre for cultural pursuits and has a wonderful restaurant to boot.
The Dune Church
Dating back to as early as the 12th century The Church of Our Lady of the Dunes in its picturesque setting has been a protected building for the last 60 years. This pretty little church also serves as the final resting place of the famous Belgian artist James Ensor.
PMMK Museum for Modern Art
For those interested in modern Belgian art the PMMK is an absolute must. The museum covers art from the early 1900s to the present day such as James Ensor and Léon Spilliaert.
Floral Clock
This colourful clock has been keeping time since 1963 and consists of an astonishing 20,000 plants.
Umbra
This wonderful statue is a 3D version of the painting “Vertigo” by the reclusive Ostend-born artist Léon Spilliaert. Sculpted by Herlinde Seynave, Umbra looks out to sea from the Wellington race track promenade.
Maria Hendrika Park
This peaceful 45 hectare park is a popular destination for Ostenders – with its fish pond, boating lake and lovely Mirror Lake it is easy to see why.
Venetian Galleries
This Venetian Galleries serve as an elegant cultural space for exhibitions, theatre and art. The Galleries built in the classic Venetian style under the orders of King Leopold II overlook Ostend’s beautiful beach.
Fat Matilda
This well-loved and well covered female nude was sculpted in bronze by the artist Georges Grard in 1954. Located close to the Floral Clock this voluptuous lady was originally called “The Sea” but has earned the affectionate nick name ‘Dikke Mathille’ or Fat Mathilda by locals.
Western Pier
Take in some sea air on this lovely 19th century pier. Dating back to 1837 the Western Pier was once a favourite walking route of King Leopold II. The pier is a good place to take in the views of Ostend.
Seamen’s Memorial
This dignified stone statue by Willy Kreitz, dating back to 1953, is a memorial to the fishermen of Ostend who have lost their lives at sea. The statue stands on the Zeeheldenplein square where Ostend’s lighthouse originally stood.
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