Collection presentation

In the first half of the twentieth century, various generations of artists settled in Sint-Martens-Latem and Deurle. They were attracted by the tranquility, the landscape, rural life, and of course, the artists already living there.

The couple Jules and Irma Dhondt-Dhaenens collected modern Flemish and Latem art between 1920 and 1970. In 1968, they opened the Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens near their villa to house their collection and organize cultural events and exhibitions featuring contemporary art.

The couple aimed for recognition of the Flemish language and heritage, seeking to emancipate the Flemish people through cultural means. The various groups of artists from the Leie region are naturally well represented.

Additionally, they collected works by Belgian artists such as James Ensor, Rik Wouters, Leon Spilliaert, Eugène Laermans, Jean-Jacques Gaillard, Franz Courtens, and others.