A journey through the rails of history: the Flemish tram and bus museum

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum offers a fascinating journey into the past of public transport. It contains unique exhibits that tell the story of the development of trams and buses in Flanders. The museum attracts both history buffs and families with children, providing an opportunity not only to see but also to learn about the evolution of urban transport. A visit to the museum allows you to feel the atmosphere of past decades and see transport in its historical context.

History of the creation of the museum

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum was created to preserve the history of public transport in Belgium and give visitors the opportunity to touch the culture of past eras. The museum is located in Ghent and is unique for the region, as it contains a rare collection of trams, buses and even trains. Thanks to the painstaking work of enthusiasts, the museum offers visitors to examine equipment reflecting the development of transport from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.

Important historical dates and description:

• 1966: Foundation of the Flemish Tram Association to preserve the city’s historic transport.
• 1977: Opening of the museum on the site of the former tram depot in Ghent.
• 1985: Addition of a collection of vintage buses and early electric trams to the exhibition.
• 2002: The museum was included in the list of important cultural sites, which allowed for increased funding.
• 2015: re-equipping the museum with interactive exhibits and opening of an additional area for children.

This museum houses a rich collection of technology and tells about the importance of public transport for the region. Thanks to the well-thought-out exhibition, the museum has become a popular place for both tourists and educational visits for schoolchildren. Having visited here, visitors can understand how technology and comfort for passengers have changed over the decades.

Advice:

To better appreciate the museum’s collection, it is recommended to book a tour with a guide who will tell you about the features of each vehicle.

Exhibits and collection

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum in Ghent impresses with its extensive collection of historical transport spanning over a century. Among the exhibits are rare trams, buses and city trains, which allow us to trace the development of public transport in Belgium. The museum presents models from different eras, each of which has preserved the unique features and atmosphere of its time.

Tram collection

This is a place where unique examples of public transport in Belgium are collected, many of which are preserved in perfect condition. Here visitors can see how urban transport has developed from old models to modern solutions. The museum carefully preserves the cultural and technical heritage, allowing each visitor to touch the history of movement around the cities of Belgium.

Features of the tram collection:

• The oldest trams from the late 19th century with original wooden seats and vintage design.
• Electric trams from the early 20th century, demonstrating the first steps towards electrification.
• Military models from the First and Second World Wars, which were used to transport soldiers and equipment.
• Rare exhibits with original hand brakes and mechanical control systems.
• Tram models equipped with heating technology for comfortable travel during the cold season.
• Colourful tourist trams from the 1950s to 1970s that decorated the streets of Belgian cities.

The museum’s collection continues to grow thanks to the support and participation of local enthusiasts and restorers. These exhibits allow you to immerse yourself in the history of transport infrastructure and see how it has changed over the decades. For lovers of technology and history, a visit to the museum is a unique chance to appreciate the progress and scale of transport development.

Interesting fact:

The museum displays trams that were used not only for passenger transportation, but also as mobile shops and post offices.

Bus collection

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum is a unique place, housing one of the most interesting transport collections in Belgium. It features exhibits that trace the history of public transport in the region, from the first tram models to modern buses. The museum attracts not only technology enthusiasts, but also those interested in the history of everyday life. A walk through the exhibition allows you to see how transport infrastructure has changed over the decades.

Features of the bus collection:

• Buses from various eras are presented, starting from the 1920s.
• Many models that were used for public transport in different cities of Belgium.
• Rare and unique examples are on display, including bus models that took part in historical events.
• An opportunity to see how transport technology and design have changed.
• An overview of the history of bus transport through the prism of local conditions and infrastructure development.

Here you can not only see rare examples of transport, but also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the last century. Visitors get the opportunity to learn about how transport evolved and how it influenced the development of cities. For those interested in the history of transport, this is a real gem that is worth taking the time to see.

Advice:

If you are lucky, you may see rare buses that were once used to transport passengers on the most remote lines in Belgium.

Thematic excursions and events

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of public transport in the region while travelling through the picturesque corners of Ghent. Tours are conducted on vintage trams and buses, creating an atmosphere of the past, when these means of transport were an integral part of the city. This unusual combination of cultural heritage and modernity attracts tourists and residents who want to learn more about the transport history of Flanders.

Thematic excursions and events:

• Museum tram tour – a ride on an old tram, where the guide will tell you about the history of city transport. Held weekly on weekends.
• The 50s Bus Guide is a unique tour on the buses that once plied the streets of Flanders. It takes place every third Sunday of the month.
• Thematic routes through the historical districts of Ghent – excursions that include visits to key points of the city, telling about the development of public transport in different eras. Organized 2-3 times a month, depending on the season.
• Interactive events for children – children can take part in mini-games and workshops, learning the history of trams and buses through game elements. Held during school holidays and in summer.

A visit to the Flemish Museum by tram and bus is not only a journey into the past, but also an opportunity to see Ghent from a new, unusual side. This is a great opportunity for transport history buffs and those who want to learn more about the development of the city. Participation in such events allows you to feel the spirit of old Ghent and see how the city’s transport has changed.

Advice:

If you want to make your trip even more unique, try to go on a tour dressed in a costume from that era – this will create the atmosphere of a real historical tour!

Entertainment for children

This is a great place for a family holiday with children. This unique place introduces young visitors to the history of public transport and allows them to try out different interactive elements. The museum attracts children with both educational programs and exciting games that allow them not only to learn, but also to actively participate in the process.

Special programs for children:

• The museum offers various educational programs for children, where they can learn about the development of public transport through games and practical tasks. For younger children, there are master classes where they can draw trams and buses, and for older children, there are short excursions with interactive elements, such as driving vintage transport on simulators.
• Play areas. The museum has special play areas where children can “be” drivers, try to manipulate miniature models of transport and even take part in historical reconstructions using vintage bus and tram models.
• Recommendations for a family visit. The museum is ideal for families with children of different ages. It is important to prepare in advance for a long stay – the museum has places to rest and a cafe where you can have a snack. It is also worth taking comfortable shoes with you, as excursions can take several hours.

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum is ideal for an exciting and educational family time. It is a place with a unique atmosphere where every member of the family will find something interesting for themselves. When planning a visit, you can count on exciting and educational activities for children.

Interesting fact:

The museum’s interactive exhibits allow children to “drive” vintage trams, which they find truly delightful.

How to get there, cost of visit

This is one of the unique attractions of Ghent. It is conveniently located in the city, easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The museum can be visited by various types of public transport, making it accessible to everyone. Find out how to get there, how much it costs and when the museum is open.

How to get there:

• Trams: No. 1, 4, 10, stop “Sint-Pietersstation”.
• Buses: No. 33, 69, 70, 72, 76, stop “Gent Sint-Pietersstation”.
• Walking distance from Ghent Central Station (5-7 minutes).
• Taxis and rickshaws are available throughout the city.

Cost of visit:

• Adult ticket: 10 euros.
• Students and pensioners: 7 euros.
• Children under 12 years: free.

Opening hours:

• Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00.
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00.
• Day off: Monday.

Contacts:

• Address: Kasteelstraat 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
• Website: www.flamishtram.be.
• Phone: +32 9 261 81 28.

The Flemish Tram and Bus Museum is a great place for those interested in transport history and culture. The museum is easily accessible by public transport and the price of admission is affordable for a wide range of tourists. Plan your visit and enjoy the history of trams and buses in Ghent.