This is a wonderful interactive expo of Ensor's life in Oostende, a peak to his house, family and work. The audio guide is included in the price and it's very informative. Even though this is not a real museum with original paintings of Ensor, it's very much worth a visit!

Surprising. Very good audio guide. Beautiful animations of ensors paintings.

Beautifully designed exhibition with audio guidance.

This place is an amazing representation of the life and works of Ensor, whose home is located at the location. My husband brought me here for a birthday surprise, as I love art, artistic expression and art museums. He also brought me here as he had to research him when he was young student for a project, and this made an impact on him..added bonus for me. The staff was so warm, friendly and inviting. As the museum was to close soon, one of the staff came and informed us of the closing, but to particularly ask if we had seen this very special exhibit that was located upstairs, behind a door we didn't understand was a part of the museum. Upon hearing that we had not, she proceeded to personally escort us to those exhibits and proceeded to ensure that we saw all of it. I must say, my museum experiences in Belgium have been world class, with personnel explaining, showing and answering any questions that we have about the exhibits. This isn't the first time someone came to us after they were not occupied, and took us on a personal tour. These experiences really elevate the museums for us and we often encourage other friends in the region to visit, consequently. Staff at the museums in Belgium generally tend to be very wise, enthusiastic and kind overall. I hope to consistently engage with more museums with personnel such as this.

Very beautiful and interesting.

The completely renovated museum has a surprisingly contemporary design with the latest multimedia techniques. At the reception you can obtain an audio guide that is adjusted so that you can hear everything clearly, without headphones and without disturbing other visitors. And if you want to hear everything well, count on an hour and a half. A new discovery is the binoculars that allow you to see across the street what it was like in Ensor's time. You will also learn that Ensor was already internationally known in his time.

Great place to visit. Tells the story of Ensor in a nice and captivating manner. Really liked the audio guide as well. Recommended visit.

I love how closely this museum and the house is connected to both the history of Oostende as the international art scene in the 1920’s. James Ensor is still a big name in the art world today, something we should be very proud of as Belgians. The museum is beautiful and it’s great they were able to maintain the Ensor house as well as they did.

I enjoyed my visit to this museum very much. The staff were very polite and professional and explained everything I need to know before I start the tour. There is an English audio guide for free included in your ticket as they are considerate that not everyone speaks same language. There are 3 floors but when I visited, they were renovating the 3rd one and we only visited the 1st and 2nd floor and I felt like I have missed something. Keep you ticket as you can claim a discount for the art meusum until end of yhe summer. Would love to come back for a visit tomorrow to bring friends to this place.

I discovered this painter, whom I barely knew. The exhibition is very interesting and despite the weather that day (incessant rain) I enjoyed the city of Ostend.

If you've ever wanted to know the intimate details how a closeted British-Belgian recluse of a man who busied himself painting by his lonesome in the attic of his mother's curiosity cabinet shop (which he kept untouched after her death - and is still intact to this day as part of the museum) came to be known worldwide for his bizarre and disturbing paintings of masks, and not - to his own dismay - for his very own musical opera he worked on for years and years to tepid reviews, this is the place for you!!

The highlight of my trip to Ostend. The staff were all so very helpful. The museum was also very informative providing great insight into the life and work of James Ensor, a great artist.

Nice!

For art lovers, especially those who consider James Ensor of of the greatest late-20 Century artists, and perhaps the first “modern” master, this is an indispensable destination. Otherwise, be aware that you don’t get much for the rather steep 20 Euro entrance fee. The “Experience center” is a bit lame and somewhat disrespectful of Ensor’s art, in the predictable multi-media way. The most important aspect is Ensor’s house, of course, even if all the art on the walls is reproductions. The ground floor shop is also interesting.

Great museum with audio guides, available in multiple languages. They have kids audio guides too which encourage interactive discovery and play about the Belgian Painter James Ensor. Accessible with wheelchairs and prams.

Very well designed and run museum. The only disappointment is that there’s only one original work by Ensor.

Great interactive Museum

When visiting Ostend, definitely do it!! Great museum, exhibition!