Zebrastraat
Location
GhentCapacity
up to 450 paxWhere zebras once roamed
Zebrastraat has a chequered history – or is that striped? From the 1850s, one of Belgium’s first zoos was located in the area. Nothing is left of it, but the memory lives on in street names such as Elephant Street, Tiger Street, Okapi Street - and Zebra Street (in Dutch, Zebrastraat).
19th-century Ghent was a gritty working-class city where thousands of people lived in cramped, squalid alleyways known as ‘beluiken’. In an effort to remedy this, the city authorities commissioned the architect, Charles Van Rysselberghe, to build a bright and spacious housing complex where the zoo once stood. It opened in 1902 and was known as 'De Cirk' (the circus, in the Ghent dialect) because of its unusual design. The oval courtyard served as a playground for generations of working-class children. In 2003, the Liedts-Meesen Foundation had the run-down complex renovated, retaining its original architecture.
Multifunctional venue
Today’s Zebrastraat is a multifunctional place. With over 100 apartments, it once again serves as a housing complex. Residents are closely involved in everything that happens here: the venue prides itself on being thoroughly embedded in the local community.
Zebrastraat is also a much-loved cultural hotspot. Promising local bands perform here every week. There’s a music festival in winter and a beach bar in summer. On top of all that, Zebrastraat is a showcase for modern art. The major eye-catcher is on the roof: a bright-yellow sculpture by Flemish artist Nick Ervinck. In total, you will find no fewer than 60 works of art on the premises. And there’s always an ongoing exhibition you can pop into.
Not to be missed
When you’re in Zebrastraat, the centre of Ghent is just a stone’s throw away. You’ll have a hard time deciding what to do: visit the historic buildings and museums, pop into a café, dine at one of the city’s great restaurants... One thing is certain, though: your visitors will not want to miss it.
Located in the city of Ghent
Historical without being provincial, lively without being boisterous. That's the perfect way to describe Ghent. The compact city is the ideal location for your conference, with all the venues and hotels right in the middle of the magnificent historic center.
Practical information
Technical Info
- Hybrid conferences possible
Capacity
up to 450 paxLocation
More information about this venues?
VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau will be happy to give you all the information you need, and offer your association or PCO free support, no strings attached.
