Museum Dr. Guislain, Ghent

Housed in Belgium’s oldest psychiatric clinic, built in 1857, Dr. Guislain Museum explores the history of psychiatry. It bears the name of the doctor who defended the rights of the mentally ill in the 1820s, a time when these people were often mistreated and even kept in chains. Part of the exposition is devoted to the art of the mentally ill people, among which is the Serbian painter, Goran Djurovic. There are also exhibits examining relations between people, including an exciting retrospective of how people look at each other, titled "People on Show". The museum puts on both rotating and permanent exhibitions. The latter include a comprehensive history of psychiatry, a catalog of photographs of the mentally-ill taken in the 1860s, and a collection of outsider art.

Why You Should Visit:
Most rooms have trilingual explanations (Flemish, French, English); the objects are well-arranged and not too many.
The staff at the till are very knowledgeable and friendly. The grounds are great for a stroll, especially on a sunny day.
The exhibition of 'outsider art' is amazing. Made by people experiencing mental health issues, it contains art that is both strange and wonderful.

Tip:
One of the highlights here is sitting at the cafe in the courtyard of this calm, beautiful facility. For something really spooky visit the other on-site café with the giant mannequins.