(Saint-Peter's Abbey)
Seven Centuries of Augustinians

General Information of Saint Peter's Abbey

Because exhibitions are the elements that bring life and colour to the world of art and culture and because the professional organization of highly qualitative exhibitions has some specific requirements, the City of Gent decided in 1960 to use an important part of the renovated and impressive St. Peter's Abbey as an exhibition hall. It was given the name Centre for Art and Culture St. Peter's Abbey.

All kinds of visitors are catered for in the Centre throughout the year. The center initiates and organizes most of the exhibitions itself, but it also hosts exhibitions the idea of which was put forward for another partner, but the technical realization of which was taken care of by the Centre.

Seven centuries of Augustinians

A religious community makes history

In the year 1256 Pope Alexander the IV united several hermit communities in one new mendicant order, the so-called Augustinians. The members of that order dedicated themselves to sermons, spiritual care, study and education.

The Gent Saint-Stephanus monastery, officially founded in 1296, was the craddle of the Order in the Low Countries. The cloister buildings in plain baroque style and the impressive library still testify of its political, cultural, scientific and religious importance, reaching far beyond the Gent city gates.

Based on art treasures from Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, the exhibition portrays splendour and trouble during seven centuries of Augustinian religious life.
Several baroque masterpieces, beautiful garments in gold thread and silk and exceptional collections of old jewellery in private property, evoke the rich history of the Augustinians in the Netherlands.

Practical Data

Saint Peter's Abbey  -  Sint Pietersplein 9  -  9000 Gent

Admission hours and entrance fees : VisitGent.be

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