The building was one of the first steam-powered cotton mills in Ghent, historically known as the 'Minnemeers' factory.
The museum houses a functional printing press collection that includes historical machines dating back several centuries.
It maintains one of the largest collections of industrial textile heritage in Europe.
The rooftop garden offers a unique perspective of Ghent’s skyline, specifically the iconic 'three towers'.
The museum actively preserves the 'Ghent Industrial Heritage' archive, which includes thousands of patterns and textile designs.
The Museum of Industry in Ghent occupies the historic Desmet-Geleyn cotton mill, an authentic industrial site dating back to the 19th century. The museum spans five floors, documenting the evolution of industry, labor, and daily life in Ghent through the lens of textiles, printing, and digital technology. Visitors explore operational machinery, including original spinning mules and looms that reflect the city's history as a global textile hub. The permanent collection features rare archival documents, historic photographs, and interactive displays that track the transition from manual labor to automation. The site preserves original architectural features of the mill, such as cast-iron columns and high ceilings. Rotating exhibitions supplement the core collection, often focusing on contemporary social issues related to industrialization and consumerism. It serves as an active space for community workshops and educational programming regarding manufacturing heritage.
The top-floor rooftop terrace looking out over the historic Ghent city center.
Use the elevator to start at the top floor and work your way down to fully experience the chronological flow of industrial progress.
Check the museum website for active printing demonstrations, as these are not available daily.
The rooftop area is often overlooked by tourists and provides a quiet break with city views.
Don't rush through the lower floors, as the most intricate historical textile machinery is situated there.
Closed on Mondays.
