The Ghent we know is the result of a whole series of waves of migration. Many of those who came decided to ‘stick around’. Today, one in five of the people living in Ghent have roots in different part of the world.
In 'Sticking around – over 50 years of migration to Ghent', STAM brings the colourful history of migration to life – not in the museum but in the city itself. In the streets, eye-catching information points highlight the city’s migration past. Audio-trails and guided walks reveal exciting and surprising personal stories. Follow the trails on foot or by bike, on your own or in a group.
for individuals
Ghent through the eyes of remarkable people who ‘stuck around’.
My grandfather, Celal Kubat
(available in Dutch/Turkish)
All good things in Ghent come from Italy
(available in Dutch/Italian)
growing up in the Brugse Poort area
(available in Dutch/Arabic)
I had a Spanish housemaid
(available in Dutch/Spanish)
Sioen plunges into world music
(available in Dutch/English)
The audio-trails are a coproduction of STAM and Action Zoo Humain.
for groups
The bigger story of migration to Ghent in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Sticking Around
Your guide introduces you to some notable figures from Ghent’s migration past. Meet ‘the Turkish festival mayor’ of the 1970s, French ‘Marie and her whistle’, ‘old Zangrando’ and many others. They all had their own reasons for sticking around in Ghent. A walk about people, full of poignant stories and piquant anecdotes.
50 years of migration to Ghent
Your guide leads you through the most important chapters in Ghent’s migration history. From the first guest workers to the most recent arrivals, in half a century much has changed. About how migration to Ghent began much longer than fifty years ago, and in what circumstances the newcomers stayed here over the past century.
www.blijvenplakkeningent.be (online in April 2014) puts everything in a broader context – arranged by country, period and theme. For the first time existing and new research provides a historical background. Have you yourself come to Ghent from elsewhere, or were your parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents once newcomers to the city? If so, you can upload your own story, photos and videos onto the website. Need help? Make an appointment via stam@gent.be.
This STAM project 'Sticking around - over 50 years of migration to Ghent' is curated by Tina De Gendt & Dr Jozefien De Bock.
STAM turned ten last year... time for a make-over for the permanent exhibition! Since the end of 2020 you can stroll through the new Story of Ghent.
Feel free to touch! A fun children’s trail that leads through every room in the museum. Children become merchants, craftspeople, architects or city trippers and participate in city life. They sell cloth, make coats of arms, face façades and work out routes.