Cities
Belgium Ghent Flemish Region Historical Landmark

Stadshal

About

The Stadshal in Ghent is a bold contemporary landmark that brings modern architecture into the heart of the historic city. Completed in 2012, the open‑air pavilion stands between the Belfry, St. Nicholas’ Church and the City Hall, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding medieval skyline. Its angular wooden roof, supported by slender concrete columns, forms a dynamic canopy that frames views of the old town while offering a versatile public space beneath. Designed as a place for concerts, markets and community gatherings, the Stadshal has become a lively urban stage where daily life and cultural events intersect. Its design sparked debate when first unveiled, yet it has since grown into a beloved meeting point that reflects Ghent’s willingness to blend heritage with innovation. Today, the Stadshal stands as a symbol of a city that honours its past while embracing contemporary creativity.

Ghent Belgium
Stadshal
Location

The Stadshal Ghent, also known as the City Pavilion, is located at Poeljemarkt on Emile Braunplein in the historic city center, right between the Belfry, the Renaissance Town Hall, and St. Nicholas’ Church. This modern canopy structure overlooks lively public squares ideal for markets and events, with the iconic three medieval towers just steps away, alongside Korenmarkt's cafes and shops. A short walk connects to Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts, Gravensteen Castle across the Leie River, and pedestrian streets through Patershol neighborhood teeming with galleries, restaurants, and cultural sites.

Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum Museum Museum of Industry Ghent Museum of Industry Ghent Museum Huis van Alijn Huis van Alijn Museum GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin Museum Design Museum Gent Design Museum Gent Museum Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Herbert Foundation Herbert Foundation Museum Flanders Expo Flanders Expo Events Venue Kunsthal Gent Kunsthal Gent Gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Gallery TATJANA PIETERS TATJANA PIETERS Gallery Capitole Ghent Capitole Ghent Theatre NTGent NTGent Theatre Opera Ghent Opera Ghent Opera House Theater Tinnenpot Theater Tinnenpot Theatre CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum Theatre VIERNULVIER VIERNULVIER Events Venue Gravensteen Gravensteen Castle Geeraard de Duivelsteen Geeraard de Duivelsteen Fortress Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Cathedral Saint Nicholas’ Church Saint Nicholas’ Church Church St James’ Church St James’ Church Church Saint Michael’s Church Saint Michael’s Church Church St Anne’s Church St Anne’s Church Church Church of St. Stefanus Church of St. Stefanus Church Church of St Anthony of Padua Church of St Anthony of Padua Church Belfry of Ghent Belfry of Ghent Historical Landmark Korenlei Korenlei Street Jacob van Artevelde Jacob van Artevelde Statue Graffiti Street Graffiti Street Historical Landmark Saint Michael's Bridge Saint Michael's Bridge Bridge Citadelpark Citadelpark Park Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Koning Albertpark Koning Albertpark Park Playground Blaarmeersen Playground Blaarmeersen Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Park Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Wondelgemse meersen Wondelgemse meersen Park UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien Observatory