muzee

Mu.ZEE, often written Mu.ZEE and sometimes read as muzee, is a museum of modern and contemporary art in Ostend, Belgium. Situated on the seafront in Ostend’s cultural district, the museum presents a permanent collection of Belgian art from the 19th century to the present day and hosts temporary exhibitions in collaboration with national and international partners. The building combines a historic 20th‑century block with a modern extension and provides public spaces for displays, education, and research.

The collection emphasizes Belgian modern and contemporary art, with works connected to Ostend's artistic heritage as well as wider movements in Belgian art. In addition to the permanent holdings, Mu.ZEE programs rotating exhibitions, site-specific installations, and educational activities for schools and families. The institution also maintains public programs such as artist talks, workshops, and research resources including a reference library.

Name and status: Mu.ZEE derives from Museum aan Zee, a designation that reflects its coastal location. It is part of the Flemish network of museums and receives support from municipal and regional cultural bodies.

History: The museum in its current form arose in the early 2000s from the consolidation of Ostend’s local art collections and exhibitions; it has since expanded its display space and programming through renovations and partnerships.

Access: The museum is open to visitors with standard admission policies; it offers accessibility features, a cafe and a shop, and is reachable by public transport and walking along the promenade.