It was therefore very busy in Abby. According to Councilor for Culture Felix De Clerck, visitor numbers exceed expectations. “The first exhibition attracted around 40,000 visitors. The figures for this exhibition have yet to follow, but every time I come here, I see a lot of people. I think this will be a great success again.”
On weekends the museum usually receives between 800 and 1,000 visitors per day. During the week this is lower, although more and more schools and groups are finding their way to Abby. The museum also appears to be a stimulus for city tourism.
“I often hear people say: ‘We didn’t know Kortrijk and came especially for the exhibition.’ Sometimes they come from abroad, sometimes from elsewhere in Flanders. They are pleasantly surprised, not only by the museum but also by the city. Many indicate that they are planning a weekend in Kortrijk next time,” says director Sarah Keymeulen.
In addition to exhibitions, Abby also focuses on experience. For example, Kortrijk tattoo artist Luc Leplae immortalizes a medieval tattoo on the skin of visitors and artist Joris Van de Moortel reads the future with self-designed tarot cards. The museum wants to profile itself as a playful and accessible home where everyone can experience art through various studios.
‘Abby & Friends’ starts on April 3. The museum invites friendly art organizations to set up their own exhibitions.
