Magazine in 2020 GHENT IS HONOURING ITS GREATEST FLEMISH MASTER FLEMISH GREATEST ITS HONOURING IS GHENT 2020 in Magazine

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2020 FEAST TASTE & & TASTE IN GHENT IN GHENT VAN EYCK EYCK VAN EXPERIENCE DISCOVER & DISCOVER & PROGRAMME PROGRAMME Magazine IN 2020 GHENT IS HONOURING ITS GREATEST FLEMISH MASTER FLEMISH GREATEST ITS HONOURING IS GHENT 2020 IN Magazine

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5 Who is Jan Van Eyck? 10 A new home for the Lamb 22 Fifteenth-century Ghent 26 Spike and Suzy set off in Discover the mystery Brand-new visitors’ The glorious history of search of the lost behind the Flemish centre at St Bavo’s medieval Manhattan Van Eyck master Cathedral Discover the new 24 Passed down from master Spike & Suzy comic 6 The Ghent Altarpiece 11 The Ghent to student A pinnacle of divine Altarpiece inspires Artisanal mastery today 28 Feast like a 15th-century artistry Art, music, sports Burgundian and so much more Medieval ingredients and 8 Van Eyck. dishes on the menu An optical revolution 21 OMG! Seven Senses Tour The largest Van Eyck A feast for the senses 30 Van Eyck for everyone exhibition ever and everywhere A celebration for all, both in the city centre and on the outskirts of the city Ghent is celebrating its greatest Flemish master painter in 2020 During the entire year of 2020, Ghent will be hosting OMG! Van Eyck was here, paying homage to Jan Van Eyck, the Flemish Master Painter who is inextricably linked with the city owing to his world-famous masterpiece, the Ghent Altarpiece. A year filled with scintillating activities and events, showing how even after six centuries, the legacy of one of the world’s most masterful artists still courses through the arteries of the city of Ghent and its residents. Ghent: the city of the Altarpiece Ghent and its Altarpiece, a bond that cannot be broken. What the Mona Lisa is to Paris, the altarpiece is to our city. Ghent is the city where Van OMG! Eyck painted his world-famous masterpiece, and A to which millions of visitors from all over the world COLOPHON. have been flocking for centuries to admire the altarpiece. Small wonder: ever since the unveiling of the Ghent Altarpiece in 1432, not a single visitor has come away unmoved by Van Eyck’s superlative OMG! Van Eyck was here is an initiative by the City of Ghent and all citizens of Ghent. mastery and unparalleled eye for detail. Project management: The master himself revolutionized European art Cultuur Gent 09 323 61 80 history and left an indelible mark on Ghent as [email protected] a pioneering city of culture. Organising partners: With OMG! Van Eyck was here, Ghent is highlight- Visit Gent, Visit Flanders, Ghent Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), St Bavo’s Cathedral, Puur Gent, ing the unbreakable bond between the city and the the cultural venues of Ghent and the grandmaster. Strap in for a tantalizing programme many Ghentish organisers. full of visual art, theatre, dancing, design, fashion, music, gastronomy, shopping and much more in Sponsors: the style of Van Eyck and his majestic masterpiece. ATS Groep en Denys. A celebration for the ages for residents and visitors of Ghent alike, one that will shake the city to its core for an entire year.

Media partners: Het Nieuwsblad, AVS and Radio 2.

images Ghent Altarpiece: Sint-Baafskathedraal Gent © Lukasweb.be-Art in Flanders vzw, photo Hugo Maertens, Dominique Provost, KIK-IRPA

V.U. Mieke Hullebroeck – General Director, Town Hall, Botermarkt 1, 9000 Ghent – february 2020 4 2020 DISCOVER Spotlight on FLEMISH MASTERS Van Eyck 2019 2018

Rubens Breughel

© Rubens House Antwerp © KHM JOHANNES DE EYCK FUIT HIC etween the fifteenth and In the context of Flemish Masters, Visit OMG! Van Eyck was here is a nod seventeenth centuries, the Flanders invested in projects making a and a wink to the signature Jan van Eyck. Portrait of Giovanni (?) Arnolfini Jan van and his Wife. © The National Gallery, London. and his Wife. © The National Gallery,

Southern Netherlands were significant difference in the promotion Johannes de Eyck fuit hic (‘Jan Van B © without question the central of the three grandmasters. In the case Eyck was here’) used almost as hub for progressive art movements: the of Ghent, this entailed support for the some kind of graffiti tag by the Flemish Primitives, the Renaissance, and exhibition Jan Van Eyck. An optical revolu- painter in 1434 to sign his ‘Portrait the Baroque. For two hundred and fifty tion at the Museum of Fine Arts, and the of Giovanni Arnolfini and his years, the region was home to some of construction of the new visitors’ centre wife’. With it, Van Eyck was one the most renowned artists of Western for the Ghent Altarpiece in St Bavo’s of the first artists of the pivotal Europe. Three artists in particular – Van Cathedral. These two pillars caused the moment between the Middle Eyck, Bruegel, and Rubens – stood proud City of Ghent to invest in a complete Ages and the Renaissance to slip among their peers and claimed their place theme year devoted to Van Eyck and to out of anonymity. among the greatest masters of all time. highlight all that Ghent has to offer in our A bit of trivia: the painter himself With the Flemish Masters project, Visit own way: a fascinating cultural cocktail, can also be seen in this very work, Flanders wishes to promote these three filled to the brim with a rich history, in the convex mirror positioned greats for three consecutive years; both culture, and a trendy urban lifestyle with behind the couple. A Renaissance among foreign amateurs of culture and a maxed-out dosage of must-sees. OMG! selfie! among the Flemish themselves. Antwerp Van Eyck was here: too much ground to On the other hand, OMG! Van got the ball rolling in 2018 with Antwerp cover in a single day, much like Ghent Eyck was here also highlights the Baroque. Rubens inspires. Brussels is itself. strong imprint left by Van Eyck celebrating the Bruegel year. And Ghent is and the Ghent Altarpiece on the finishing things off in 2020 withOMG! Van city of Ghent. Symbolizing the Eyck was here. connection between the artist and the city, between mastery in the 15th century and today, between the Ghent of the past and of the present. 5 DISCOVER

Jan Van Eyck was to late medieval art as Pablo Picasso COURT PAINTER, CONFIDANT, AND is to modern painting. The Flemish Master caused a SECRET AGENT great stir in art history back in the 15th century with his Despite the legendary status Van Eyck awe-inspiring and revolutionary oil painting technique. enjoyed in his own lifetime, little is known with certainty about the painter. He is With his keen eye for the finest details and his novel use presumed to have been born around of perspective, he created masterpieces of a hitherto 1390 in the Limburg city of Maaseik, and unseen realism that have captivated audiences for six to have died in Bruges on 14 July 1441. As a diplomat and court painter to the centuries and counting. No wonder that Van Eyck was Burgundian duke Philip the Good, he trav- the most famous painter in Europe during his lifetime. elled all across Flanders and spent time among others in affluent trading centres such as Ghent and Bruges, where he found buyers for his art in rich merchants and politicians, among others. Following the death of his brother Hubert, he Jan Van Eyck. Portrait of a Man (Self Portrait?). © The National Gallery, London. © The National Gallery, a Man (Self Portrait?). Portrait of Eyck. Jan Van completed the now world-renowned © WHO IS Ghent Altarpiece at the behest of Ghent alderman Joos Vijd and his wife Elisabeth Jan Borluut. A crowning jewel for the new apse chapel Vijd had constructed in the St. John the Baptist’s church (now St Bavo’s Cathedral), bearing his name Van Eyck to this day. 6 DISCOVER The Ghent Altarpiece, a pinnacle of divine artistry

orld heritage, an artistic high- W light, or even the most influential painting ever made: superlatives abound when talking about the Ghent Altarpiece. As a man of many talents, Jan Van was only secured after Philip expressed Since its unveiling 1432, the altarpiece has Eyck was not only active as a painter. his excitement over the looks of his bride spellbound people for centuries, and is an Legend has it that he was also regularly to be in the portraits. absolute source of pride for Ghent and its sent out as a spy on secret missions During his travels, Jan Van Eyck also residents. But what was the actual pur- around Europe, at the instruction of the developed a fascination with the exotic pose of this mysterious retable? And why Burgundian court. After all, in the Middle fauna and flora that crossed his path. exactly is it located in Ghent? Ages, loaning out an artist to a rival court An inexhaustible source of inspiration, The Ghent Altarpiece, or The Adoration to complete artistic assignments was as would later become apparent, as he of the Mystic Lamb in full, stems from a the ideal cover for snooping around the painted his multitude of new discover- period when most believers were illiterate, competition’s stronghold. ies with effortless detail in the Ghent and masses were held in Latin. Therefore, One of these foreign journeys saw Jan Altarpiece. a visual representation of Biblical stories in Van Eyck travel to Portugal as part of a the altarpiece were a very important tool Burgundian court delegation, where he JAN VAN EYCK: for keeping churchgoers engaged in the painted two portraits of Isabella, later AN INNOVATING COMET religious experience. The more impressive Philip the Good’s third wife. The marriage SHOOTING ACROSS the work, the greater the impact! THE ART HISTORY SKY The assignment for the creation of In addition to a painter and occasional the Ghent Altarpiece came from Ghent spy, Van Eyck was also a true scientist. alderman Joos Vijd. He commissioned the Not only did he perfect the oil painting altarpiece for his brand-new Vijd chapel in technique, he also had an exceptional eye St. John the Baptist’s church (which later for detail and an excellent understanding became St Bavo’s Cathedral) from Hubert of the theory of optics. As a true genius, Van Eyck. However, Hubert died in 1426 he managed to capture reality in its finest before he had even started work on the detail, and his eyes operated as both project, following which his brother Jan microscopes and telescopes. picked up the brush where Hubert had left Van Eyck was among others the first off. Jan painted a magnificently detailed painter in history to depict natural fea- and conceptually complex polyptych with tures such as the moon in a scientifically a whopping twelve panels. What it meant to be correct manner in his paintings. Moreover, Van Eyck pioneered the ONLY OPEN ON SUNDAYS a court painter use of atmospheric perspective, giving AND HOLIDAYS If you thought Jan Van Eyck merely spent his his works an unparalleled sense of depth. Did you know that, in the past, the days painting the Ghent Altarpiece, think again. This raises the Flemish Master above the Ghent Altarpiece was only folded open As a court painter, he received a wide range of level of his contemporaries. Without any on Sundays and holidays? Only on these assignments. From diplomatic trips and dynastic transitional form or comparable prede- special occasions could one admire the portraits to creating festive decors and designing coats of arms: he did it all. He even drew up a cessor, Van Eyck suddenly shot across the frivolous colours hidden within. The con- world map for Philip the Good. Van Eyck was art history sky in the fifteenth century as trast between the stark outer panels and sent on secret missions abroad where he was a perfect comet, unleashing a true optical the impressive inner panels symbolizes tasked with drawing up notes for the duke’s revolution with his innovative work. worldly reality making way for the abun- future military campaigns. The painter returned dant majesty of heaven. with a ‘mappemonde’ displaying his excellent geometric and cartographic skills. A true Jan Van Eyck committed the Ghent Renaissance man, that Jan Van Eyck! Altarpiece to oak panels, overlaid with thin layers of a mixture of chalk and animal glue. The GhentAltarpiece, apinnacle of divineartistry sixteenth-century painters! were spent gazing atthe work of restoration phase, five centuries detail of Van Eyck duringthecurrent the recoveryofastoundingoriginal was paintedover. Thismeans that, until no lessthan60%ofthe Ghent Altarpiece and JanvanScorelaround1550,whereby restoration efforts of LancelotBlondeel Jan Van Eyckwaslargelylostduringthe as ifthepaintisglowingfromwithin. ates anextradimension,makingitseem miniature workandtranslucentpaintcre of oilpaint.Thecombinationprecise He appliedthefiguresincountlesslayers The astounding finesse of the work of

- paint withthegreatest care,allowing the varnishes and old overlyinglayersof The expertspeeledaway the yellowed imposing centralpanelwith the Lamb. of the altarpiece, which includesthe ration team worked on thelowerregister pleted in late2016. phase tackling thebackpanelswascom Museum ofFine Arts in Ghent. The initial Altarpiece atthe workshop of the a thoroughrestorationofthe Ghent cultural heritage)hasbeenworking on Since 2012, KIK(royalinstitutefor ALTARPIECE REVEALED THE TRUEGHENT During thesecondphase, the resto - - third phaseofthe restorationwilluncover. paint. We areeagertofindoutwhatthe ings underneaththeoverlyinglayers of discovered anumberofunknown build the overlyinglayers,restorers also have amuchmorehumanfacethan in the originalLamb,whichappearedto new elementstolight.Afterlayingbare pleted inlate2019andbroughtnumerous workmanship. demonstrating the exceptional levelof are of a remarkablequality, once again details, foldsanddepththusrevealed again see the light ofday. Thecolours, true virtuosity of JanVan Eycktoonce Phase 2oftherenovationwascom

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DISCOVER 8

DISCOVER THE largest VAN EYCK- EXHIBITION

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VAN EYCK. AN OPTICAL At the heart of the exhibition are the before have so many works by REVOLUTION eight restored back panels of the Ghent Jan van Eyck been on display at Did you know that only some twenty Altarpiece, the first and last time they will one location, making the exhibition works of Jan Van Eyck were preserved into be on display outside of Ghent’s St Bavo’s the largest ever dedicated to modern times worldwide? At least half Cathedral. In addition, other top pieces the master! of them will find their way to Ghent for by the master’s hand will be on display, the Van Eyck exhibition from February to including ‘Madonna at the Fountain’, and April 2020. Truly an exceptional event. An ‘Portrait of a Man with a Blue Chaperon’. optical revolution at the Ghent Museum They are flanked by work from his atelier of Fine Arts (MSK). and copies of works now lost. Never 9 DISCOVER

9 Dominique Provost Dominique

© 01.02 – 30.04 1 De Madonna met Kind en engelen, ca. 1449-1450 6 Portret van een man met blauwe kaproen, ca. 1428−1430 Opening hours: 2 Meester van Jean Chevrot (Brugge, actief 1440–1450) 7 De Madonna bij de fontein, 1439 Tue-Sun: 9:30 3 De Annunciatie diptiek, ca. 1433 - 1435 8 Lam Gods - Elisabeth Borluut - Sint-Baafskathedraal am – 7:00 pm 4 De Aanbidding van het Lam Gods, 1432 Gent ©www.lukasweb.be – Art in Flanders vzw 5 De heilige Barbara van Nicomedië, 1437 9 De twaalf apostelen, ca. 1440 Mon and alternating on Fri and Sat: 9:30 am – 11:00 pm JAN VAN EYCK AND painting in the process. Never before had display over one hundred

HIS CONTEMPORARIES any painter represented reality in such a paintings, miniatures, As painter to the Burgundian duke Philip tangible manner, with portraits seemingly sculptures, and drawings the Good and working for the flamboyant lacking only a pulse and landscapes that from the medieval period. court and wealthy residents of cities such showcase the world in all its facets. They are brought to Ghent

as Ghent, Jan van Eyck far surpassed his To highlight the impact of Jan Van from leading collections Vaneyck2020.be

contemporaries. With his unequalled tech- Eyck’s optical revolution, the Ghent the world over. Book your 25 start at € Tickets nique, scientific knowledge, and unpar- Museum of Fine Arts is placing his works tickets now via

alleled powers of observation, Van Eyck beside his most talented contemporar- www.vaneyck2020.be available. with concessions raised the art of oil painting to unseen lev- ies, among others from the Florentine for the experience of Ghent Museum of Fine Arts els, impacting the very course of Western art scene. In total, the exhibition will a lifetime! MYSTERY 10 theLamb A new home the Van Eyckbrothers had intended inthe fifteenth century. context, allowing visitorstoexperience it asthe patrons and Sacrament chapel.Thealtarpiece willbe set upinitsoriginal 2020 onwardsthe Ghent Altarpiecewill be ondisplayatthe Its first location willbetheVillachapel,but from 8October Cathedral andwill be reunitedwiththerestof the altarpiece. the exhibitioncloseson30 April 2020. biggest Van Eyck exhibitionever. They willremainthereuntil to the Museum ofFineArtsGhent,wheretheyfeature in the in St Bavo’s Cathedral untilthen, were simultaneouslymoved well astheAdamandEve panels, whichhad been displayed together withtheotherinteriorpanels. The exteriorpanelsas Bavo’s Cathedral, where they canbeviewed in alltheirglory including the‘Adoration oftheMystic Lamb’, returnedtoSt 2020, thefivepanelsoflowerregister thealtarpiece, completed at theMuseumofFineArts Ghent. In January At theendof2019, second stageoftherestoration was AT WHAT LOCATIONS IN2020? WHICH PANELS AREONDISPLAY R O F 2020 8.10 In May, theexhibitedpanelswillreturntoStBavo’s St Bavo’s Cathedral sint-baafskathedraal.be

dral asifyouwerethereyourself. the GhentAltarpieceandcathe past andlivetheturbulenthistoryof will beabletotraveldeep into the the helpofaugmentedreality, you can be admired inalltheir glory. With various otherauthenticart treasures restored panels of thealtarpieceand brand-new visitors’centrewherethe the GhentAltarpiece,isreceivinga St Bavo’s Cathedral,the home of -

A 30-minutetour with avirtualnarra the altarpiece’s eventfulpast. feast youreyesonthehighlights of graphy oftheGhentAltarpiece,and there is toknowaboutthe icono Eyck’s workshop,findouteverything cathedral, havea stroll aroundVan various constructionphases of the in all their splendour. Discoverthe the impressive cathedral come to life tor showsboththemasterpieceand

September 2020 24.01

St Bavo’s Cathedral – sint-baafskathedraal.be

technique, and content. inspired bythe3pillars of theMysticLamb:shape, both insideand outside ofthecathedralwallsandis Caeyers, andSophieKuijken.Theexhibitionisheld an exhibitionwithworksby artists KrisMartin,Lies January 2020.Thereturn of theLamb is linked to can be admired at St Bavo’s Cathedralasfrom 24 centre, therestoredcentral panel with the Lamb In anticipationoftheopening of thenewvisitors’ THE RETURNOFLAMB - children andfamilies. A specialfamily tour isavailableto available in9differentlanguages. panels can beadmired.The tour is true Ghent Altarpiecewith restored visitor to theambulatorywhere Lastly, the tour’s finaletakesthe OPENING ON 8 OCTOBER A BRAND-NEW OMG! VISITORS’ CENTRE!

Just like the city itself, the Ghent Altarpiece See how the colours of the the rich brocade and oak in evokes constant admiration as the eyes Ghent Altarpiece come to contemporary design. struggle to take it all in. The polyptych with life in magical multimedia Listen to the angelic fifteenth-

its vibrant colours and sumptuous details spectacles. Become century music and modern PROGRAMME forms an inexhaustible source of inspira- enraptured at the scents of rearrangements. Theatre, tion. From the musical instruments and the flowers and plants at fashion, gastronomy, music, buildings, the fauna and flora, to the jewels the Floralies. Or better yet: sports, and even shopping; and robes: they combine to form the basis taste the ingredients of the all Van Eyck themed, all year THE for a packed and multi-faceted programme. Ghent Altarpiece at one of long. In short: too much Ghent’s many eateries. Feel Ghent for a single day. GHENT ALTARPIECE Inspires

EXPERIENCE

28.03 LIGHTS ON VAN EYCK In 2020, St Nicholas’ Church is the ideal location — for those who enjoy a unique blend of multimedia 01.11 art, music and projection. A digital and musical reinterpretation of the Ghent Altarpiece com- posed by Mat Collishaw is sure to bring you pure wonderment for half an hour. Enter the church, behold a magical light show with projections on all walls and vaults, and engage in a digital arts experience. Regular live performances complete the picture.

Lightsonvaneyck.be This multimedia experience is accessible to St Nicholas’ Church St Nicholas’ a wide audience of all ages: families, tourists, groups, lovers of art, and techies. Those who have been looking forward to the next edition of the Light Festival are sure to enjoy an exceptionally innovative project in the heart of Ghent. ‘A Digital Tribute to Van Eyck’ is a collaboration between Mankind and CREATE. eu. Both were major crowd pleasers with their dancing robot arms and fire-breathing dragon during the previous Light Festival in 2018. OPENING HOURS Monday – Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. TICKETS € 11, with concessions available.

MARVELOUS SHOW! PROGRAMME 12 EXPO 01.01 Multiple 31.12 locations —

in Ghent VOEM. project byORBITvzw, Novgorod,De Centrale and discovery will be displayed in a unique exhibition A can be explored. Theresulsts of thisvoyage of artistic music, word, dance,visualarts and other disciplines is also room fordiversity in terms ofartistic disciplines: Apart from thepersonaldiversity of theartists, there answer across differentdisciplines for several months. the Van Eyck brothers. They will work on anartistic a dialoguewiththe Ghent Altarpiece as painted by artists with amigrationbackground will enter into Eyck:Cosmopolitan’,During ‘Van twelvedifferent VAN EYCK: COSMOPOLITAN

© Bob Mees EXPO EXPO 06.09 10.05 13.03 De Krook 2.03 tot Design Museum — stad.gent/ designmuseumgent.be bibliotheek aegis of arenownedmasterartist. and provideopportunities for young artists under the performance, the workshops are places of research pant and the canvas.Inaddition to being places of be not only aspectator, but alsoa patron, a partici- to life thanks tothe visitors. You will getthe chance to stories and portraitslinkedto Jan Van Eyckwill come building will host a number of workshops where library in Spring 2020. From March upto May, the artists will take over theground floor of theDeKrook Van Eyck’s spiritwandersamong the books. Various VAN EYCK @DE KROOK An intenseexperienceforthe entire family! their work alongthethemes of colour andthe senses. known andlesser-knowndesigners and artists exhibit veritable experience rooms where contemporary well- torical salonsofHotel de Coninck are transformed into in differentcolour configurations. Inaddition, thehis- designers from a variety ofdesign areas are displayed by Jan Van Eyck and his contemporaries. Projects by 7 principalcolours and the spectrum of pigments used in the Design Museumyou can take a strollthrough the diverse use of colours, linking the presentand the past. point of departure of anexhibition on innovative and ration. His inspiringtechnique and colour use form the achieve an innovativemixofshades, clarity and satu- paint as well as layers oftransparent coloured glaze to during the recent restoration. Jan Van Eyck used oil intense colours, whichwere fully uncovered again The GhentAltarpieceisfamous for itsspecial and VAN EYCK’S COLOURS INDESIGN KLEUREYCK. At the exhibition Kleureyck . Van EycksColours indesign OPENING HOURS: 10:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sundays and holidays: Wednesday closed Monday –Friday: 9:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. TICKETS €10, with concessions available.

DO. TO MUCH SO OMG!

perspective with Canon patterns in ‘Madonna ‘Madonna geometric van Eyck, composition and Paele’ – van der Jan HERITAGE EXPO 01.05 01.11 21.03 31.12 — Castle of Gerald the Devil Gent University Museum —

glimps.bio gum.gent

national and international artists and scientists. is concludedwitha biodesign exhibition with work by between old craftsandcontemporary biotech. The project Ghent Altarpieceto zoom inonbiodesignas the ideal link lectures for a broad audience. Refer to themes linked to the sessions for professionals,workshops for youngsters and This iconiclocationwillforexample host inspiration place whereyoungsterscan think andengagein activities. in 2020 and serveas a its doors under the name of ‘Broei’ Castle of Geraldthe Devil, which will temporarily open brothers to Ghentexpertise in biotech and biodesign. history by linking the work and innovations of theVan Eyck Hubert IS here’ project. They connect almost 600 years of Eyck 2.0 – old and new within the scope of the‘‘Van studio GLIMPS manages to create a perfect link between biodesign may seemabit far-fetched, but innovation A link between the 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece and OMG! HUBERT ISHERE VAN EYCK 2.0 – Welcome toJanVan Eyck’s studio! ARCHITECTS ANDARTISTS THROUGH THEEYESOF FRICTION ANDHARMONY knowledge that leadstoharmony? Or ratherfriction? This resultsin a different kind ofknowledge. Is it Like Van Eyck, they are looking for their own perspective. with the artistic analysisof four contemporary artists. temporary exhibition confronts their scientific analysis architecture students try toanswer these questions. The does his oeuvre feel soright? A scientist and a group of perspective in art, as is generally assumed?Why then Paele. Is ittrue that Van Eyckdid not know the lawsof masterpiece Virgin and Childwith Canon van der Eyck. The focus of the exhibition will be on hisfamous on perspectiveand geometry in the oeuvre of JanVan museum opens straightawaywith a pop-up exhibition you to take alook into themind of ascientist. The new Ghent UniversityMuseum,in short GUM, will allow doors aroundthecornerofMSK Gent andS.M.A.K. The In March 2020, a new science museum will open its VAN EYCK INDEPTH. During the Van Eyckyear, GLIMPS movesintothe

OMG!

Kunsthal 24.04 12.07 EXPO EXPO 28.06 29.05 07.06 14.05 Kask Various locations in Ghent — fromscratchto — — — cultuur.gent scratch.be originally created for. underexposed masterpieces at the location they were 12 July 2020. A unique opportunity to admire usually history, every Friday and Saturday from 24 April until standing of thechurchandits significance inthe city’s with specialworks of art,and thus gain a better under- offer visitorsthe possibility to becomeacquainted witness to arich past. These impressive heritage sites in Ghent with magnificentarttreasures thatbear ambassadors welcome you toanumber of churches also boastsmanyother masterpieces. Heritage Ghent is home tothe Ghent Altarpiece, but the city FLEMISH MASTERS INSITU locations, which may give rise to newperspectives. exhibition takes place alternately at twodifferent for studyingand exhibiting contemporary art. The project usesVan Eyck’s oeuvre as apoint of departure are taken into accountwhen inviting the artists. The Different aspects suchas time, identity and visibility postgraduate Curatorial Studies programme at KASK. the result of a research project of students of the for contemporary forms of art.The exhibition is master painterVan Eyck’s heritage and its importance KASK bringsadoubleexhibition that focuses on FROM SCRATCH TO SCRATCH Friday – Saturday:2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 13

PROGRAMME PROGRAMME 14 December EXPO EXPO 26.07 2020 21.05 Castle of the Counts, Belfry, St Bavo’s June — — St James’ Church

Abbey and St Peter’s Abbey

jacobusgent.be Historischehuizen.stad.gent and enhanceitmusicallyona regular basis. musicians and ensembleswill liven up the installation to StJames’ Church. Classical concerts byvarious focus attention.Itwillbea unique exhibition tailored graphs, sculptures and videos are in turn intended to with the visitor. Contemporary media such asphoto- teristics of church architecture to evokethese feelings annunciation. His installation highlights the charac- installation and immerse visitors in thestoryof Honoré d’O uses these themes to make a Van Eyck preparation, intimacy, silence, purity and cleanliness. Themes hidden in the detailof the towel include care, on one of theouter panels of the GhentAltarpiece. inspiration from the towel inthe annunciation scene Ghent installationand video artist Honoré d’O draws THE TOWEL OFVAN EYCK HONORÉ D’0- thanks to theeffortsofdiplomats like JoosVijd. Philip manages tosignificantly increasehis power political joustsand strategic pitfalls and find outhow Cards”. You will beswept along by amorous intrigues, of medieval version of the popular TV series “House historical buildings where you will find yourselfin a powerful St Peter’s Abbey form aquartetofmedieval ing Belfry, the enchanting St Bavo’s Abbey and the also appearstohaveadiplomatic role toplay. Van Eyck becomes one ofhis confidants. Thepainter boyant personalityon the international stage and Jan and valet de chambre(chamberlain). Philip has a flam- Duke of Burgundy, appoints Jan Van Eyck as painter On 19 May 1425, Philip the Good, Countof Flanders and THE NOBILIARYCONSPIRACY The impressiveCastleoftheCounts, the impos-

September EXPO EXPO 30.05 22.05 2020 June — Church of the Great — Macharius district Beguinage in Sint-Amandsberg Voem.be

هللافورخ/LAMB OFGOD Within the scope of ‘Lamb ’هللافورخ / most virtuousoartistsinthe world. oeuvre. A unique approach to theoeuvre ofone the the 15th-century stained glass windows in Van Eyck’s compare the 19th-century windows in the church with her findingswith theaudience andinvitedvisitors to Great Beguinage of Sint-Amandsberg, she shared Flanders. During an exhibition in thechurchof stained glass windowsor fragments from Ghent and master painterand made thelink with preserved glass windows, examined all paintings by the Flemish Rambault, an arthistorian specialised in stained the backgroundofworksby Jan Van Eyck.Aletta Stained glass windowscan frequently be seen in IN VAN EYCK’S OEUVRE STAINED GLASSWINDOWS the GhentAltarpieceascentral focus! performances and the creation of a largemural, with classical calligraphy, calligraffiti, installations, street It will be amultidisciplinary exhibition withamix of an art trail thatruns through the Macharius district. Their workisdisplayedin an exhibition in the form of ligraphy artist who is partof the legendary CNN crew. Altarpiece. The projectiscurated by DemaOne,acal - street art artists make interpretations of the Ghent classical calligraphers and modern calligraphy and ofGod

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EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

Autumn GHOST X VAN EYCK 2020 During Ghost x Van Eyck, the area around St Bavo’s cathedral will be the scene of an ultimate contemporary tribute to Jan Van Eyck. No less than 25 artists, collectives and musicians will be challenged to make a unique interpretation of one of the works of art by the Flemish master painter. Several medieval locations like the Castle of Gerald the Devil, the terrace of NTGent

ghostnight.be and the Belfry will be transformed into mini stages where the public at large can enjoy short but powerful performances. In the wake of the host, the audience will be guided from one stage to the other. The programme will include a surprising variety of genres and forms of art created by talented national and international artists. FEAST

24.06 MIDSUMMER NIGHT Saint John’s Day, or Midsummer Night, square In and around Sint-Baafsplein has been celebrated on 24 June for centuries, and was an exuberant event in the days of Jan Van Eyck as well. Just as Saint John’s Day heralds the seasonal transition, Midsummer Night marks for us the second half of the themed year.

vaneyckwashere.be This will be a true open-air folk festival centred around, as tradition will have it, tasty food, fire, music, and nature. Because 26 June is when we celebrate the homecoming of the Ghent Altarpiece at St Bavo’s Cathedral, we have no qualms about having a festive midweek In and around Sint-Baafsplein square In and around Sint-Baafsplein celebration. Expect no less than a vibrant festival with dancing, medieval street food to salivate over, folkloristic shows, spectacular tableaux vivants, and troubadours. Because there is no party like a Medieval Burgundian party! Stad Gent

EXPO

12.12 WINTER WONDER CASTLE — The Winder Wonder Castle ensures a festive conclusion 03.01 of the Van Eyck year. During the Winter Festivities, the Castle of the Counts is immersed in a magical, Burgundian atmosphere with stunning party tables and fabulous decorations. Master painter Jan Van Eyck is a star at the court of Philip the Good. The latter likes noth- ing more than dazzling his guests and enchanting them with luxury and exquisite technical gadgets. As Count of Flanders and Duke of Burgundy, he surrounds himself with the best artists. Jan Van Eyck has just returned from

Castle of the Counts Castle a diplomatic mission in Portugal, where he made the portrait of the count’s future wife. Based on that por-

historischehuizen.stad.gent trait, Philips has decided to marry for a third time. The wedding will take place in Bruges in January, but in the run-up to the big day the count wants to hold Christmas festivities in all important public buildings in the county. The Castle of the Counts is the perfect location for these festivities in Ghent. The fortress receives an extreme makeover from master painter Van Eyck himself. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the count’s love of spectacle and imagine yourself as a contemporary of the Flemish Primitives. 16

PROGRAMME Music

When Jan van Eyck was born at the end of the 14th century, a musical rebirth was taking place. Owing to the exceptional musical talents from local cathedral schools, the ‘Flemish polyphony’ was born in the Low Countries. Franco-Flemish singers and composers from the early 15th century helped open up new worlds by combining clear musical lines into ecstatic interwoven vocal tapestries. They mixed French rhythms, Italian melodies, and English sound volumes into music that sounded so magnificent that Martin Chiang Martin

it defined the musical landscape deep into the 16th © century. Euphony was key: melodies were stacked CONCERT into brilliant harmonies and inspired interlocking VAN EYCK ORGAN IN CONCERT 09.05 20 pm vocals; words and notes were arranged in increasingly In the spring of 2020, Ghent record label Consouling 10.05 11 am expressive ways. Abroad, these tonal wizards were Sounds is organizing Van Eyck organ in Concert. Classical musician Catalina Vicens brings a unique known as ‘lotremontani’ (from across the mountains) live performance with historical instruments or as ‘fiamminghi’ (Flemings). The wanderlust of together with contemporary experimental musicians the Franco-Flemish composers was rea: one or more Colin H. Van Eeckhout and Jozef Van Wissem. One composers from the Low Countries worked at nearly of these historical instruments is a portable organ VanEyck2020

every court in Europe. Dufay, Ockeghem, Obrecht of consouling.be/ reconstructed based on the organ depicted on one of

St James’ Church St James’ the panels of the Ghent Altarpiece. Get your senses Ghent, and Isaac spread out as prophets of the new involved and experience Van Eyck’s masterpiece style of composing towards France, Italy, and Austria. brought to life! Josquin des Prez was the first superstar of this style of TICKETS € 25 polyphony. Even today, the rich polyphony, ingenious counterpoints, and specific world of sound generated by their music garners worldwide admiration.

CONCERT COMPETITION

17.06 AMENRA & GUESTS – June 2019 THE INTERNATIONAL – IN DEN TROON VERHEVEN – CLARINET COMPETITION 19.06 June 2020 Bidt voor mi… Du liets mi tleven The fifth edition of The International Clarinet

Performances by internationally renowned post- Competition is entirely themed around OMG! Van Eyck metal band Amenra are unique events with a strong was here. Specifically for this edition, two Ghentish ritualistic aspect. During OMG! Van Eyck was here, the composers Dirk Brossé and Johan Duijck created a band will be performing a new creation with a cine- work inspired by the Ghent Altarpiece which is to be matic backdrop, based on the song of Egidius. This performed by the finalists and semi-finalists in January promotion.be

Handelsbeurs medieval lamentation from a poet to his deceased 2021. Moreover, Flemish cinematographer Jacques handelsbeurs.be friend deals with the darker side to life. It typifies the Servaes will film a documentary during the compe- place in January 2021 place in fascinating period during which Van Eyck was active international-music- tition whereby both composers and performers are as a pivotal point between the Middle Ages and the confronted with the mythical altarpiece.

Renaissance. competition taking with the Premiere on 27 June 2020 17 PROGRAMME Kaupo Kikkas

© CONCERT CONCERT THE CITY OF GHENT LISTEN TO THE LAMB! 22.09 03.10 Flanders Festival Ghent brings the Mystic Lamb to live 2020 COMMISSIONS A COMPOSITION 2020 FROM ARVO PÄRT as never before. Join twelve top composers on a musical journey, each inspired by one of the twelve panels of At the occasion of OMG! Van Eyck was here, the City of Ghent is commissioning a composition from renowned the world-famous altarpiece. A broad variety of music Estonian composer Arvo Pärt A composer of both genres and formations contribute to a fascinating and instrumental and vocal music, Pärt’s religiously inspired compelling concept. From classical music and jazz to electronics and world music, performed by both intimate work garners international renown and fame. In 1976 he Bijlokesite ensembles and large orchestras: something for every- gentfestival.be

created a unique musical language called ‘tintinnabuli’, gentfestival.be reaching a wide and varied audience, and defining his one! The twelve brand-new pieces all combining to form a single work will be presented at the various locations St Bavo’s Cathedral St Bavo’s collegiumvocale.com work to this day. Meanwhile, Pärt’s compositions are among the most widely performed today. of the Bijloke site. Pärt was commissioned by the City of Ghent to write A fantastic project by Handelsbeurs, Arts cen- ‘Agnus Dei, the adoration of the Lamb’. This brief work tre Vooruit, Victoria Deluxe, Bijloke Music Centre, for choir and organ is fully inspired by the famous Democrazy, Gent Jazz, Flemish Opera, LOD musical masterpiece by Jan Van Eyck. Arvo Pärt entrusted his theatre, Cirq, De Centrale and Flanders Festival Ghent. creation to Collegium Vocale Gent, the world-famous vocal ensemble led by director Philippe Herreweghe that is celebrating its fiftieth birthday this year. The location for this event is Ghent’s St Bavo’s Cathedral, where the CONCERT new composition will be premiered in September of 2020 during Flanders Festival Ghent, with the composer 18.12 VAN EYCK DIAGRAMS himself attending. An extraordinary concert you cannot & A CHANTEFABLE afford to miss! 19.12 Doppelgängers, unspeakable love, inaudible sound: — these are the words enigmatic art historian Gerard Van 8:00 pm den Acker used to summarise his visionary research CONCERT about Jan Van Eyck. Björn Schmelzer and Graindelavoix delve into the mysterious life and work of their loyal Première DAVE DOUGLAS: friend Van den Acker, whose early death abruptly ended 12.11 SECULAR PSALMS a promising and sensational Van Eyck investigation. Dave Douglas is an internationally renowned “Van Eyck Diagrams’ is a musical and theatrical debijloke.be

trumpet player and composer. He is one of the Music Centre séance as well as an honorary tribute to a frenetic leading American jazz musicians of his time and graindelavoix.be genius, but also a re-enactment of his unfinished life’s has a special relationship with Ghent and the work. In the presence of the audience, Van den Acker’s

Ghent Altarpiece. Dave Douglas is composing a hall of Bijloke Concert impenetrable Van Eyck archive is unlocked: his endless new work with the Ghent Altarpiece as central series of plans and sketches, the obsessive comments Handelsbeurs focus, as well as music by the Flemish polyphonist on the smallest and most vague details and Van Eyck’s handelsbeurs.be Guillaume Dufay. In an international ensemble of iconoclastic view of the beginnings and ends of art. The six artists, he combines old and new music into a nocturnal conversations and the many silent but no less contemporary story. musical hours in the study of this unique art historian A co-production of Jazz Brugge/Concertgebouw are relived until the disastrous end: Van den Acker’s Brugge and Jazztopad Festival (Poland) with the desperate visit to Hubert van Eyck’s grave in Ghent. Van cooperation of November Music (Netherlands). den Acker claimed it is possible to recreate Van Eyck’s universe not in words, but in a parallel, musical world. 18

PROGRAMME ... kids, sports, theatre and flora Michiel Devijver Bonjé Emilie

© © THEATRE KIDS THEATRICAL PRODUCTION CHILDREN’S EXHIBITION ‘DAG 11,12,14 26.03 15,25,26 ‘LAM GODS’ (GHENT — JAN -JAN VAN EYCK’S SMALL March ALTARPIECE) BY MILO RAU 31.12 EMPIRE’ In 2018 and 2019, the Ghent city theatre is hosting The exhibition ‘Dag Jan’ (in English: Hello Jan) internationally acclaimed theatrical performance ‘Lam enables children and their parents to fully immerse Gods’ by leading director Milo Rau. In honour of the themselves in Jan Van Eyck’s universe. Little Jan Van Eyck year, the play is reprised in March 2020. Rau discovers that he is a direct descendant of the reconstructs the world-famous altarpiece by the Van world-famous painter with the same name and ntgent.be Eyck brothers on stage. Just as Hubert and Jan Van goes on a voyage of discovery to find out who that Eyck did in the fifteenth century, the play connects the distant relative actually was. Visitors unravel the

mundane with the spiritual. The Van Eycks not only of Kina The World mystery behind the Flemish painter through the immortalized their patrons and the upper class, but eyes of curious little Jan. Display cases and cabinets, NTGent Schouwburg also their neighbour and the average Joe. This blend animations, interesting tidbits of information and an

of mysticism and the mundane is also reflected in the dewereldvankina.stad.gent interactive trail immerse children in Van Eyck’s small theatrical production. empire in a playful and educational way. Michel Burez

© SPORTS KIDS JAN VAN EYCK MARATHON PRESCHOOL THEATRE SHOW 29.03 Sports lovers can look forward to the Van Eyck As of April ‘HET LAM VAN JAN’ marathon in Ghent. The route has been completely At last, the painting is ready. Jan has worked for a long 2020 redesigned and participants will now run through the time. Days, weeks, months, years! He has pained the artistic and historical centre for the first time in the smallest details and has done his utmost to find the right city’s marathon history: a truly unique experience. colour. He has worked accurately, meticulously, minutely Embrace Jan Van Eyck’s motto ‘Als ich can’ and give and with concentration. Today, his painting is finally your all just like the Flemish master painter! All ready to be revealed to the public. But when he arrives 4hoog.be

participants will receive a unique Van Eyck medal at mskgent.be at the exhibition room, it turns out that the painting gentmarathon.com the finish line. Possible distances: marathon, half a is GONE. IT HAS DISAPPEARED! marathon, 10 km, 5km and kids run. Theatre maker Audrey Deroo captures Jan Van Eyck’s large world in an intimate, imaginative performance Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine for young children. 19

OMG! PROGRAMME COME AND SEE. Gerda Dendooven Gerda Michiel Devijver

© © FLORA KIDS GHENT FLORALIES “WA IS DA MET DA LAM?”: 01.05 In 2020, the Ghent Floralies festival with its theme Juliy A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE — 2020 ‘My paradise, a worldly garden’ is all about quiet, In the musical performance “Wa is da met da Lam?”, 10.05 calm, and the heavenly flowers and horticultural singer Celine Debacquer, flutist Liesbeth Peelman and plants depicted in the Ghent Altarpiece. Floral pianist Elisabeth De Loore take you to the fascinating masters will create an interpretation of the world of Ghent’s greatest painter Jan Van Eyck. They altarpiece, connecting art, Ghentish heritage, join forces with illustrator Gerda Dendooven, who and mastery. Horticulturalists will in turn draw breathes new life into the paintings by Van Eyck by inspiration directly from the Ghent Altarpiece means of live illustrations.

Floraliënhal, for their own creations. This promises to be a One moment you are in Van Eyck’s painting studio, magnificent spectacle of scents and colours, giving the next you enter the unique world of classical music. gentsefloralien.be

ICC and het Kuipke ICC and het the visitor the sense that they were dropped in the Composer Ruben De Gheselle adds sound to the Kunstensalon De Graaf Kunstensalon kunstensalondegraaf.be middle of Van Eyck’s paradise garden. images, and Merel de Vilder Robier writes the text. Performances will be organised both for schools and for families. Bookings possible as from September 2020

EXPO

28.10 KAMERKIND (ROOMCHILD) — S.M.A.K., Vooruit, KOPERGIETERY, CAMPO, Opera 10.11 Ballet Vlaanderen and NTGent have joined forces for a new large-scale artistic city project: “KamerKind”. A visual, theatrical and musical walking trail takes you past more than 50 children’s rooms - from residential

Firmin De Maître Firmin caravans to historical mansions - spread over all areas

© of the city. You get to hear authentic stories of young vooruit.be KIDS residents as well as new contemporary stories of dozens of artists. In addition, you discover new work by visual PUPPET THEATRE SHOW As from artists, musicians, theatre makers, choreographers and 25.06 ‘THE MYSTERY REVEALED’ videographers. They draw inspiration from the children’s Puppet theatre company TAPTOE’s Erf presents drawings in each room, which are all related to the their new show ‘The mystery revealed’ as from June oeuvre of master painter Jan Van Eyck.

2020. This family-oriented performance focuses on Prepare for a diverse programme: a women’s choir the creation of the Ghent Altarpiece. Spectators take

Fifty different locations in Ghent locations Fifty different performing in a children’s bed, a nursery virtually a seat around an empty triptych with white panels. converted with visual work by Van Eyck, young children Projections, shadows and figures colour the panels delivering self-written monologues, musical experi- taptoeserf.be TAPTOE’s Erf TAPTOE’s and gradually bring the Van Eyck brothers’ master- ments redefining the concept of chamber orchestra etc. piece to life. Within the scope of this production, ‘KamerKind’ displays a diversity of surprising, artistic

Shows for schools as TAPTOE’s Erf joins forces with the renowned Italian discoveries based on contemporary stories. Three gener- from September 2020 shadow theatre company ‘Gioco Vita’. ations of visitors and participants are thus connected in a unique way. 20

FIFTEENTH- CENTURY GHENT Metropolis O F THE Low Countries

oday, Ghent is often lauded as being Europe’s best-kept T secret. However, anyone who delves into its illustrious past immediately notices that the city was not always a hidden gem. After all, in the fifteenth century Ghent was – after Paris – the second largest city north of the Alps. A vibrant crossroads of commerce and industry, and thus also a breeding ground for a progressive urban culture. With a mind of its own, no less. Due to its considerable power and wealth, several rulers throughout the Middle Ages experienced first-hand how fiercely the proud citizens of Ghent defended their privileges and freedoms. Ghent mainly owed its medieval growth and prosperity to the production of woollen cloth. This luxurious fabric made from English sheep’s wool was produced and processed by specialized Visitflanders

artisans such as the weavers, fullers, and shearers. The grain trade likewise © 21

brought untold riches to Ghent. Indeed, authority of the Burgundian dukes, under Ghent Altarpiece, commissioned by due to its strategic location along the Lys whose rule Ghent found itself at the time. Ghentish alderman Joos Vijd and his wife and Scheldt rivers, the city controlled the However, the Burgundian court had a Elisabeth Borluut. import of grain to the rest of Flanders. strong presence in the city: duke Philip The streets of Ghent with their many In the former port along Graslei and the Good himself resided in the princely medieval buildings remind us to this day Korenlei, which only free Ghent skippers estate known as Hof Ten Walle since 1411. of the fascinating and illustrious past could enter and leave by boat, the grain Two years prior, the Ghentish Castle of of the city. Small wonder that Ghent was unloaded and stored in storehouses the Counts had become the seat of the was graced with so many nicknames in along the water’s edge, before being Council of Flanders, the royal court where reference to its glorious history: medi- allowed to travel onwards with the crimes such as lèse-majesté, revolt, eval Manhattan, the historical heart of remainder of the unsold grain. Due to this and counterfeiting were dealt with. Flanders, City of the ages… Look around constant supply of grain, Ghent could not As a result, the city was teeming with and you can still vividly imagine what Jan only influence the market price, but also Burgundian magistrates, who mainly Van Eyck must have seen on 6 May 1432 secure a relatively cheap supply of grain settled in the area of today’s Onderstraat. after the unveiling of his Ghent Altarpiece to the citizens of Ghent in order to avoid Majestic structures such as Hof van when he left St. John the Baptist’s times of famine and crisis. Ryhove still remind us of this period. church (later St Bavo’s Cathedral) for a In the Middle Ages, Ghentish artisans This blend of the finer tastes of the stroll around town. Visit Ghent in 2020, united as powerful guilds. The political Burgundian court and the presence of and experience the atmosphere of the and economic impact of these profes- large capital from trade and industry fifteenth century! sional associations can still be seen in the provided the ideal breeding ground for many majestic guildhalls that adorn the the development of art and culture in the city centre. Guild leaders were important city. It was in this melting pot of power members of the urban elite, providing a structures and cultural influences that mighty counterbalance to the aristocratic Jan Van Eyck painted his spectacular SEVEN SENSES TOUR 22 23

Not your average city walking tour taking you along the same tired SEVEN SENSES TOUR old route, but a true feast for the senses: this is the 7 Senses Tour. Discover Ghent through the eyes of Jan Van Eyck, and use all your senses to the fullest. Smell, touch, taste, hearing, sight, enhancing your sixth sense and movement: all seven are covered on the tour!

OMG! SEVEN SENSES TOUR

A genial host or hostess will take you around in Ghent and introduce you to the city’s wonderful heritage. They will show you historical gems such as Kruideniershuis, Vrijseschippershuis and the Castle of Gerard the Devil. Then navigate Ghent’s inland waterways and experience a display of digital projections in the tunnel under François Laurentplein square. During the 7 Senses Tour, sensory experiences and monumental buildings are interspersed with stunning works of street art. Big names like Hyuro, Pastel, Strook and Isaac Cordal give their creativity free rein in the city and treat us to impressive murals.

During the walk, the guide also takes us to a number of 30.04 passionate local artisans. — 31.10 Enter the shop, workplace or Start at the workshop of a contemporary Van Eyck-shop master craftsman and get

Sint-Baafsplein 2A Michiel Devijver a unique look behind the Opening hours: scenes of one of the many © Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. professionals in the city. Friday: Feeling hungry? Your taste 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. buds are pampered as well! Saturday: Taste artisan and locally 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. produced delicacies prepared with typically medieval

ingredients at the different stops. Anyone seeking to explore Ghent in a radically different way cannot afford to Bas Bogaerts Bas miss this tour. © Tickets: € 14, with Tickets: vaneyckwashere.be concessions available. concessions 24 MASTERS

In 2020, Ghent is demonstrating that Van Eyck is still making his PASSED DOWN FROM mark on the city. Indeed, the Ghent Altarpiece is master more than merely a piece TO of world heritage. It is a living icon that continues student to fascinate and inspire. More than seventy Ghentish creators Gent. In addition to a unique concept Van Eyck’s heritage have agreed to create a product or design store, the council cellar is also slated to inspired by the Ghent Altarpiece. Each become the meeting point for the year courses through the city, and every one of them a passionate themed OMG! Van Eyck was here. This and generation after artisan who, just like Jan Van Eyck in the location will be the starting point for a generation he continues fifteenth century, are keeping artisanal number of activities, and visitors can find mastery alive with the utmost care, the information they need here. to inspire new masters knowledge, and patience. The Van Eyck To increase the visibility of the arti- who will proudly take their creators practice a broad range of crafts, sans and the different crafts they practise place in the limelight in leading to a great diversity of unique within the city, illustrator Thijs Desmet products: jewellery, hats, floral arrange- designed over thirty different guild 2020. ments, beer, rugs, shawls, handbags, shields. These shields refer to the medie- ceramics, glassware… The variety on val guilds, a kind of local organisations of offer is tremendous. people who practise the same profession Their exclusive products will be and share knowledge and experience. offered for sale in the council cellar The colourful shields will be displayed in underneath the Belfry as of February various forms in the city centre: stickers, 2020. The shop is run in conjunction with flags, banners, … Ghent will have a medi- Stadswinkel and Historische Huizen eval look throughout the year! 25 MASTERS

OMG! SO COOL.

VAN EYCK-SHOP & MEETINGPOINT (RAADSKELDER) The Seven Senses Tour starts ELS ROBBERECHTS MIEKE VERWAETERMEULEN at the Van Eyck-shop & Meetingpoint in the Council Cellar. The Council Cellar is located directly underneath the Belfry and forms the basement for the Cloth Hall. During the Middle Ages, the Cloth Hall was the central location in Ghent where cloth (heavy woven woollen fabric) was collected and inspected by the lords of the hall before being allowed for sale. As from February 2020, the council cellar will become the meeting point for OMG! Van Eyck was here, and will house the shop where you can buy exclusive Van Eyck products YUZU made by artisans of Ghent.

WOLVIS Council cellar underneath the Belfry Sint-Baafsplein 2A Buy a unique Van Eyck 01.02 – 31.12 Openings hours: product and take a bit of Monday - Sunday: the Ghent Altarpiece home 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Apart from the unique products of the Van Eyck artisans, the brand-new Spike and Suzy comic will also be available for sale in the shop AND Spike underneath the Belfry. As a matter of fact, Jan Van Eyck stars not only in the thematic year OMG! Van Eyck was here, but also in the Suzy new adventure of the two comic heroes. In ‘De Verloren Van Eyck’, Spike and Suzy go back in time to when the famous painter lived. SET OFF IN pike and Suzy celebrate their 75th SEARCH OF anniversary in 2020. What better way S for Studio Vandersteen to celebrate THE LOST this than by paying homage to another Flemish master? In ‘De Verloren Van Eyck’, Spike VAN EYCK and Suzy travel back in time to fifteenth-century Ghent. Spike is a huge fan of Jan Van Eyck and more in particular of his qualities as a secret agent. When Philip the Good orders the painter to make a portrait of his future bride, Isabella of Portugal, Spike cannot resist travelling along as a stowaway. He hopes this will help him to become the assis- tant of his idol, but to his surprise Suzy had exactly the same idea. Both try to gain the favour of the famous painter, but the latter prefers to keep the honour to himself. During their travels, a number of mysterious opponents try to sabotage their plans. Apparently someone wants to put a stop to the wedding between Philip and Isabelle.

The new comic will be available in stores as from Wednesday 12 February 2020. A special edition of ‘De Verloren Van Eyck’ will be available for sale at several locations, including the Ghent museum shops and the Van Eyck pop-up shop, which will open its doors in the council cellar in February 2020. the Devil of Gerard of theCastle the courtyard TO GREENOASIS FROM CAR PARK FRUITGAARD XL www.stad.gent/buitengenieten. for a virtual walk intheparkat on the mini-trampolines, you can already go the fruittrees,playleapfrogorenjoy yourself heart of Ghent! child-friendly oasis.Asliceofheaveninthe Geeraard theDevilcastleintoagreenand area between St Bavo’s Cathedral and the areas and wooden sheep turnthe little picnic benches, built-intrampolines,seating giant green carpet.This in combination with old. Thesquareistransformedintoone patch of green thatisover a hundred years asphalt is beingremovedto enlarge the Ghent Altarpiece. full of plants that are also featured in the and mulberrytreesjointhe flowery meadow a cherrytree. Even the more exoticalmond with apple trees,pearafigtree,and transformed intoa veritable fruitorchard of Jan and HubertVan Eyck. plete facelift in2020under the watchfuleye well. The historicalsquarewillget a com a car park. Thiscarpark has disappearedas was asphaltedinthe1970sandturnedinto decorative flowerbed.Partoftheflowerbed early 20th centuryandhad to makewayfora houses, buttheywere demolished inthe T If youcan’twaittohaveapicnic among A whopping1,400square metres of By May2020,Maaseiksquarewill be

corner used tobebuiltup with purposes overtheyears. This little dral hasservedmanydifferent he squarenexttoStBavo’s cathe

- - popular attraction andiswell known masterpiece ofartfivecenturiesearlier. brothers whogavethecityawonderful monument payshomagetothefamous took placeinGhent.Themagnificent occasion ofthe1913World Expo,which but theirstatuewasinstalledonthe J The monumenthas become a Monument VAN EYCK BROTHERS IN HONOUROFTHE Not in the flesh of course, Not inthefleshofcourse, over Maaseikpleinsince1913. have beendutifullywatching an andHubertVan Eyck from June2020. be availablein the Van Eyck shopas homage to theVan Eyck brothers) will Eyck eerde’(HowGeoVerbanck paid GeoVerbanck‘Hoe degebroeders Van richly illustrated monograph.Thebook Anthony Demeyfillsthatgap witha history andarchaeologygraduate occasion of theVan Eyck year, art the historybehinditare not. Onthe artists whocreatedthestatueand to residentsandtourists alike. The 27

HERITAGE 28 FOOD Feast LIKE A 15th-century Burgundian Lisa Valcke - Foodstyling: Mieke Goffin & Suzan Teirlinck Goffin & Suzan - Foodstyling: Mieke Lisa Valcke

he luscious landscapes in and food archaeologist Jeroen Van high-quality, regional products from the Ghent Altarpiece depict Vaerenbergh are taking a dive into the local growers or makers. T no fewer than 75 edible historical sources on food on behalf of With the knowledge of Jeroen and plants, herbs, and fruits. OMG! Van Eyck was here. What dishes Annelies in mind, Olly managed to An inexhaustible source of inspi- did the Burgundians enjoy most? follow in the footsteps of the 15th-cen- ration to work with in the kitchen! How was food prepared and stored? tury local residents and analyse not Moreover, the High Medieval period And did people in the Middle Ages only their eating habits but also their is an utterly fascinating period in eat with knife and fork? They share taste patterns. “The more information terms of gastronomy. Indeed, no-one this knowledge with Flemish foodie I perused, the more I realised that outdid the Burgundians in their lavish Olly Ceulenaere, chef at Ghentish the medieval eating culture is in fact banquets and sumptuous dinners. No restaurant Publiek. Inspired by the very similar to our present-day eating wonder that to this day we use the fifteenth-century culinary heritage, culture”, says Ceulenare. “Nose to term ‘Burgundian’ to describe the rich he sets out in search of contemporary tail eating was already an everyday Flemish cuisine. recipes using historical ingredients. phenomenon at that time. As was the Historian Annelies Van Palatable to all, but with a histori- use of sustainable preparation tech- Wittenberghe (Ghent University) cal edge. And above all: made with niques (salting and fermentation), 29 FOOD

food products harvested in the Jeroen, Annelies and Olly have and products. A number of local MAART JANUARI wild and regional and seasonal managed to collect. It will be a and artisan food makers even FEBRUARI products. I also discovered beautiful keepsake issue with were inspired to create a new MEI JUNI that food often had a symbolic twelve chapters linked to the delicacy based on typical medi- APRIL function, which is why Jeroen, twelve months. Each chapter eval ingredients. In addition to Annelies and I have decided consists of two seasonal reci- Van Eyck cheese, white pudding JULI AUGUSTUS to focus on seasonal products pes and various sections with and dry sausage, you will also SEPTEMBER that still play an important plenty of tidbits of historical be able to enjoy chocolates, ice Smakeleyck! role today. This way we want culinary information. For an cream and bread. 2020 will be a OMG!

SMULLEN OKTOBER DECEMBER ALS NOVEMBER VAN to make sure that this culi- entire year, catering establish- great culinary year! EYCK nary heritage is preserved ments, fries stands, bakers as and passed on to the next well as passionate home chefs OMG! Foodmagazine pj.indd 1 19/12/2019 16:14 generations.” will be stimulated with cooking Keep an eye on our website We will publish a food tips, dishes, workshops and www.vaneyckwashere.be magazine in early 2020 so as to tastings of well-known and less and our Facebook page for monthly recipes and tidbits of culinary share the wealth of information well-known medieval dishes information! 30 FOR EVERYONE FOR

FOR EVERYONE Van Eyck AND EVERYWHERE Our philosophy is that the thematic year OMG! Van Eyck was hereshould be for everyone and everywhere. Tourists, local residents, visitors, schools, youngsters, children or elderly people: it will be a celebration for everyone, both in the city centre and on the outskirts of the city.

VAN EYCK IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: VAN EYCK IN FROM, FOR AND BY LOCAL RESIDENTS LEDEBERG AND We take Jan Van Eyck not only to the possible. By making unexpected connec- DRONGEN city centre, but also to the local neigh- tions and bringing initiators into contact bourhoods. Cultuur Gent offers support with each other, we want to help turn It has been discovered that the to neighbourhood organisations and good ideas into fully-fledged projects. Ghent Altarpiece made a stop on initiators who want to bring the Flemish the church square in Ledegem master painter and his magnificent To bring OMG! Van Eyck was here to in 1920, when the work of art Ghent Altarpiece to life in their own residents and to the streets, organizers was returned to Ghent after the environment. Everywhere in the city, can browse through an online database war within the scope of war ideas are popping up on how to create of experts, artists, speakers, musicians, reparations. 2020, exactly one a link between the neighbourhood and game inventors and entertainers who hundred years later, presents a the polyptych. To do justice to all these bring something about Jan Van Eyck or unique opportunity to celebrate spontaneous initiatives, Cultuur Gent the Mystic Lamb from February 2020 this with numerous events. From attempts to keep an overview and to onwards. So be sure to keep an eye on our May until October, the people think along with the initiator wherever website cultuur.gent. living in Ledeberg will celebrate their Van Eyck year in words, music and images. Drongen will in turn focus on the link between Ghent and the world, and schedules a lecture about the position of Ghent in the world in the 15th century for 20 September. To make the link with Ghent today, the people of Drongen will organise a Damast Duo performance as early as on 20 March. Damast Duo is an ensemble that combines Eastern and Western sounds into a sparkling new local musical story with a violin and an accordion. The search for the flora of the Mystic © Bas Bogaerts Lamb in the Assels nature reserve © is also part of the programme. 31

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During OMG! Van Eyck was here, we like to focus on diver- painter himself or an entirely abstract version. With a collage, ink or assembly. As long as you sity and participation of the broad public, paying particular paint, anything is possible! Registrations for attention to underprivileged groups and educational support. ‘Op eigen hout’ start on 15 March. Once you have received your panel, you can get started. It goes without saying that we do not lose sight of children Is your work of art finished? Put a picture of it online at www.beeld.be. A just jury will select and youngsters and attempt to reach them through education the best panels. This selection will be on display in various ways. We provide a range of educational and par- as part of an impressive exhibition underneath the Ghent City Hall in November. For more ticipatory activities for each age group. A selection of these information please visit kunstwerkt.be. activities is listed below: STORYLINE A TRAVELLING ACTIVITY can see the students of the academy at work, Storyline is a worldwide network that enables Vormingplus Gent-Eeklo is developing a guided each in their own disciplines. All activities teachers to directly find and use various stories, game for groups in consultation with Cultuur taking place in this container will have their and share them with colleagues all over the Gent and Gent Quizt. Assignments and knowl- own refreshing and creative link to the Flemish world. Vzw Taste is developing a storyline edge questions take your team closer to the master and his work. about Jan Van Eyck and the Ghent Altarpiece in panels of the Ghent Altarpiece. Together you cooperation with Onderwijscentrum Gent and explore topics like music, optics, flora, textile ON EYCK AND FLOWERS Cultuur Gent. Within this context, they make and East-West, so that each group can interpret Natuurpunt is preparing a walking tour in the use of the storyline approach, an educational this originally religious masterpiece of art in its natural areas around Ghent. Along with the method where stories serve as a basis for own way. Vormingplus Gent-Eeklo will take this ramblers, they set out along the meadows learning. The students are involved in a series of game to the four corners of Ghent and play it that flank the Lys and Scheldt rivers in search events that are derived from their own reality, with various groups. Cultuur Gent will introduce of plants that can be found depicted on the and the main characters are either the students this game in the schools. Do you want to have Ghent Altarpiece. Along the way, pictures of the themselves or people in their environment. the game? Please contact Vormingplus at +32 famous retable are used to compare and discuss The events give rise to all kinds of learning (0)9 224 22 65 or [email protected]. the plant life. Along the way you learn all about activities. Active, fun and sustainable education the source of the wood used for the Ghent guaranteed! LESSON OF THE CENTURY Altarpiece panels. For years, the Lesson of the Century has THE BIG VAN EYCK QUIZ focused on the third grade of upper-secondary VAN EYCK SENIOR IS HERE! The Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers education, in the past covering various themes The Elderly Care Department’s project rein- contains a wealth of information; it is almost a such as democracy, education, the Second forces the ambitions of the City of Ghent as painted encyclopedia. The quizmasters of ‘Gent World War, migration, and fake news. On an age-friendly city. Approximately 100 senior Quizt’ were inspired by the polyptych to put this day, youngsters will receive lessons from citizens will display their work in Cultuurkapel together not one but two general knowledge experts from the worlds of academia, politics, Sint-Vincent throughout the month of August. quizzes: local preliminary rounds in the various journalism, and art. Within the framework of It will be a highly varied, lively and fresh mix of Ghent neighbourhoods are followed by a big OMG! Van Eyck was here, the focus of these paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, final quiz to determine who is the smartest open lessons is on the 15th century and the calligraphy, ceramics, textiles etc. The perform- team in the city. You definitely do not need to be Dukes of Burgundy. ing arts will be presented during the weekend. an art expert to participate! The quiz will consist Visitors are welcome from Tuesday to Sunday of simple and above all playful rounds on all KUNSTKEET from 11 am to 6 pm. sorts of themes (history, culture, sports and Art schools De KunstBrug and Academy of entertainment) loosely linked to Ghent’s most Visual Arts Ghent are joining forces to work OP EIGEN HOUT famous work of art. around Jan Van Eyck and the Ghent Altarpiece Painter, prepare your brushes and accept across the entire city along with their teachers the challenge. Make your own version of the and students. A travelling container will visit missing Just Judges panel on wood and with the various locations in Ghent. Local residents correct dimensions. In the style of the master OVERZICHT PROGRAMMA JANUARI FEBRUARI MAART APRIL MEI JUNI

WEEK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

VAN EYCK KOSMOPOLIET – 01/01 > 31/12 VAN EYCK KOSMOPOLIET 01/01-31/12

DE TERUGKEER VAN HET LAM - SB – 24/01 > september DE TERUGKEER VAN HET LAM - SB 24/01- september

VAN EYCK. EEN OPTISCHE REVOLUTIE - MSK 01/02 > 30/04 VAN EYCK. EEN OPTISCHE REVOLUTIE - MSK 01/02-30/04

THEATERPRODUCTIE 'LAM GODS' , MILO RAU – 11,12,14,15,25,26/3 LAM GODS, MILO RAU

VAN EYCK @ DE KROOK 2/03 > 10/05 VAN EYCK @ DE KROOK 2/03 > 10/05

KLEUREYCK. VAN EYCKS KLEUREN IN DESIGN – 13/03 > 06/09 KLEUREYCK. VAN EYCKS KLEUREN IN DESIGN – 13/03 > 06/09

VAN EYCK IN DE DIEPTE. – 21/03 > 31/12 VAN EYCK IN DE DIEPTE. – 21/03 > 31/12

LIGHTS ON VAN EYCK – 28/03 > 01/11 LIGHTS ON VAN EYCK – 28/03 > 01/11

'DAG JAN - HET KLEINE RIJK VAN JAN VAN EYCK - 26/03 > 31/12 ‘DAG JAN - HET KLEINE RIJK VAN JAN VAN EYCK - 26/03 > 31/12

JAN VAN EYCK - MARATHON – 29/03

VOORSTELLING 'HET LAM VAN JAN' - 17, 18, 19,26/04 LAM VAN JAN

VLAAMSE MEESTERS IN SITU – 24/04 > 12/07 VLAAMSE MEESTERS IN SITU – 24/04 > 12/07

OMG! SEVEN SENSES TOUR 24/04 > 12/07 OMG! SEVEN SENSES TOUR 24/04 > 12/07

VAN EYCK 2.0 OMG! HUBERT IS HERE – 01/05 > 01/11 VAN EYCK 2.0 OMG! HUBERT IS HERE – 01/05 > 01/11 MEER INFO? GENTSE FLORALIËN - 01/05 > 10/05

VAN EYCK ORGEL IN CONCERT – 09/05 > 10/05 VAN EYCK FROM SCRATCH TO SCRATCH 14/05 > 07/06 & 29/05 > 28/06 SHOP & MEETINGPOINT FROM SCRATCH TO SCRATCH HONORÉ D'O. DE HANDDOEK VAN VAN EYCK – 21/05-26/07 Sint-Baafsplein 2A, 9000, Gent DE HANDDOEK VAN VAN EYCK (Raadskelder Belfort) LAMB OF GOD – 22/05 > 30/05 LAMB OF GOD 10u – 18u 7/7 THE INTERNATIONAL CLARINET COMPETITION – juni vanaf 1 feb – 31/12 CLARINET COMPETITION HET GRAFELEYCKE COMPLOT – juni-december GRAFELEYCKE COMPLOT Bel naar de GLASRAMEN IN HET OEUVRE VAN JAN VAN EYCK – juni-sept VAN EYCK LIJN GLASRAMEN AMENRA & GUEST IN DEN TROON VERHEVEN – 19/6 > 22/06 09 210 10 32 AMENRA MIDZOMERNACHTFEEST – 24/06 FEEST Surf naar onze website FIGURENTHEATERSTUK 'HET MYSTERIE ONTHULD' – vanaf 25/06 VANEYCKWASHERE.BE WA IS DA MET DA LAM?' EEN MUZIKALE VOORSTELLING – juli

GHOST X VAN EYCK – najaar

ARVO PÄRT – 22/09

LISTEN TO THE LAMB! – 03/10

LAM GODS BEZOEKERSCENTRUM – opening 8 okt

KAMERKIND – 28/10 > 10/11

DAVE DOUGLAS: SECULAR PSALMS – 12/11

WINTERWONDERKASTEEL – 12/12 > 03/01

VAN EYCK DIAGRAMS. EEN CHANTEFABLE – 18,19/12 JANUARI FEBRUARI MAART APRIL MEI JUNI