St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent
Ghent, Belgium
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Visitor Information
Museum Address
Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Ghent, Belgium
Ticket Prices
Free (Ghent Altarpiece ~€12.50)
Featured Artists
1 artists in database
St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent houses one of the most influential artworks in Western art history: the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubert. Completed in 1432, this massive polyptych measuring over 5 meters wide revolutionized oil painting technique and established the Early Netherlandish school. The wealthy merchant Jodocus Vijd and his wife Lysbette commissioned the work for their chapel. An inscription attributes the design to Hubert van Eyck, completed by Jan after Hubert's death, though scholars still debate each brother's contribution.
The altarpiece has survived a tumultuous history of fires, theft, and war. Thieves stole two panels in 1934; one was returned anonymously, but The Just Judges remains missing. The "Monuments Men" rescued the remaining panels from Nazi salt mines in 1945. Recent restoration, completed in 2020 on the lower panels, revealed that 70% of the surface had been overpainted in earlier centuries. Restorers uncovered God the Father's original brilliance and the startlingly humanoid face of the Mystic Lamb. The final restoration phase should conclude by 2026. Visitors view the altarpiece in a climate-controlled case in the cathedral's Sacrament Chapel.
St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent in Ghent, Belgium houses 13 masterpieces in our database, including works by Jan van Eyck. Notable works include Isabella Borluut, panel from the Ghent Altarpiece and Angel Annunciate, from exterior of left panel of the Ghent Altarpiece.
Famous Works at St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent
Browse 13 notable artworks in our database. Click any work to see details and plan your visit.
Visiting St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent
It holds Jan van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, one of the most important paintings in Western art. Completed in 1432, this polyptych spans twelve panels. It's a cornerstone of the Northern Renaissance.
Yes, but you'll need a timed ticket (around €16) for the dedicated viewing room. The altarpiece was recently restored, revealing vivid original colors. Van Eyck's oil technique was revolutionary for its time.
It's an active place of worship, so dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Quiet behavior is expected during services. The Northern Renaissance panels are in a climate-controlled side chapel.
Twelve panels when fully opened, including the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb at center. Van Eyck's Adam and Eve panels flank the upper register. Angels, saints, and judges fill the remaining sections.
Multiple times. It's the most stolen artwork in history. Napoleon seized it. The Nazis hid it in an Austrian salt mine during WWII. One panel, the Just Judges, was stolen in 1934 and never recovered. Van Eyck's work has survived it all.
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Browse Our CollectionPlease note: Artwork locations and display status may change. Some paintings may be on loan, in restoration, or moved to different galleries within the museum. We recommend contacting St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent directly to confirm specific artwork availability before your visit.
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