History Design Museum Gent

stairs in 1992 building of design museum gent

design museum gent originates private initiative of group of industrials , art lovers united in 1903 in ‘union des arts industriels et décoratifs’ , created ‘musée des modèles’. initially, collection consisted of hundred fine examples of furniture, complemented extensive subcollections of ceramics, copper , bronze, furniture fragments , large textile collection. these models housed in ghent municipal academy, situated in sint-margrietstraat.

owing purchases in various pavilions during ghent 1913 world exhibition , further extension of collection, new accommodation became necessity. in 1922 museum moved hotel de coninck on jan breydelstraat, city of ghent had bought couple of years earlier. in 1951, under leadership of new director, adelbert van de walle, 3 shows called national salons modern social furniture organised. these took place in 1955, 1956, , 1957. invited local manufacturers exhibit furniture showcased in rooms fictitious domestic environments , take orders placed visitors, facilitating distribution of modern, affordable design. 1958, financial burden had become association of industrial , decorative arts, , city of ghent took on administration , management of museum. between 1958 , 1973, museum closed due renovation works. reopening followed expansion plan, ensuing in inauguration of new wing in 1992, accommodates both selection of modern , contemporary design collection , temporary exhibitions. new extension designed architect willy verstraete , officially opened in may 1992. in modern part of building, huge hydraulic lift in central section can used make floors adaptable. current policy of museum puts greater focus on belgian design 1970.