Our collecting profile: What do we collect?
Design is everywhere. It shapes how we feel, how we interact with one another and how we experience the world. Through our collection, we show how design has remained relevant across the centuries and continues to shape everyday life. To navigate this vast field, we have built our collection around three clear collecting principles.
A reflection of Belgian design
Belgian design is at the heart of our collection. We aim to reflect the richness and diversity of Belgium's design history by collecting works by Belgian designers and manufacturers, whether they created their work at home or abroad. Alongside these, we acquire works by international designers whose ideas have had a lasting influence on Belgian design, culture and everyday life.
Living at the centre
Our collection focuses on design for the home. Furniture, household appliances, lighting, textiles and everyday objects all reveal how design shapes the way we live. When collecting contemporary work, we continue to build on this perspective while embracing new developments, from industrial design and experimental practice to exceptional craftsmanship.
International key works
We also collect international designs that define their era or introduce significant innovation. These works strengthen the museum's international perspective and provide an important context for understanding Belgian design. As the only museum in Belgium to present both historic and contemporary design under one roof, these international reference points allow our Belgian collection to be viewed within a broader global narrative.
Looking ahead
A museum collection is never complete. It grows and changes alongside society. In the years ahead, we will continue expanding our collection of works by women designers while placing greater emphasis on digital culture. We aim to preserve important examples of digital design, including pioneering open source technologies, web-based platforms that connect communities and software developed as a creative medium.
Good to know
Do you have a content-related question about one of our collection items or are you looking for specific advice on design? Our colleague Eva Van Regenmortel will be happy to help you.
Contact her at designmuseum.collectie@stad.gent.
Yes, our collection is part of the Kunstenbibliotheek. Here you will find the collections of Design Museum Gent, STAM, S.M.A.K., KASK and the Ghent Guides all under one roof at the Bijloke site.
Whether you are looking for information on design, contemporary art or the history of Ghent, everyone is welcome to browse or borrow books during opening hours.
You can find more information here.
That’s possible. We are happy to open our archives to researchers, students and curious visitors. We have several archives, eachwith its own story.
You can find more information about the collections and how to access them here.
How nice that you are thinking of us! We are always curious about special pieces that can enrich our collection. Are you considering a donation? Then please contact Eva Van Regenmortel via designmuseum.collectie@stad.gent.
It really helps if you can already include some photos and share a bit about the background or history of the object. That way, we can assess whether it could find a place within our collection.