Welcome to the fascinating world of cartoons, visit our exhibitions or try your luck in a cartoon competition.
27 | 09 | 2026 > 20 | 12 | 2026
“If I cannot change something, I draw — and I keep dreaming".
War, executions and inequality cannot simply be stopped. But even when action seems impossible, we must not look away — we must keep thinking, keep asking questions, and refuse to be silent.
Sahar Ajami shows how drawing becomes her form of resistance.
27 | 09 | 2026 > 21 | 12 | 2026
Using a simple domino tile as a universal symbol, cartoonist Viacheslav Shilov explores the unexpected connections between people, emotions, nature, art, and everyday life.
The Domino Effect is a story about the beauty of interconnectedness. Each drawing forms a link in a chain of ideas, observations, and reflections, inviting visitors to look at the world through fresh eyes.
Viacheslav Shilov (b. 1970) has exhibited internationally, and his work is held in museum collections including those of Saint Petersburg, Warsaw, and Freising. Since 2023, he has been living and working in Normandy, France.
The European Cartoon Center has compared 295 international cartoon contest editions from 2025 and 2026. For the first time, the research maps out in one coherent overview what the competition regulations say about prizes, catalogs, exhibitions, hospitality, copyrights, conditions of participation and themes. This study is not a ranking of good and bad contests, they can be a tool for both the cartoonist and cartoon organizers.
22.10.2026
Stefaan Provijn wins in Lebbeke. From the 24th of October till the 8th of November the awarded and selected cartoons of the 11th cartoon contest of Lebekke are exhibited in Galerie De Fontein. Catalogue: active seniors.
17.10.2026
Did you see that thé Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem has a new look ?
12.09.2026
Festival international de la caricature et du dessin de presse In Bastogne from the 22nd till the 27th of September
30.08.2026
17.08.2026
Belgian cartoonist Emile De Bolle passed away at the age of 79.
10.05.2026
Cartoon exhibition till the 30th of September : Children in War in Torhout
For the ECC, it was a tremendous honor in 2007, for our very first exhibition, to be able to present work by the world‑famous Argentine cartoonist Guillermo Mordillo (1932–2019). The artist was personally present at the time, which made the opening an unforgettable moment.
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Every Sunday from 10-12 and 14-17 you can visit the ECC as an individual with free entrance
Winterbreak: the European Cartoon Center is closed between the 22nd of December till the 22nd of January.
As we want to promote cartoons as an art form to the general public and find it important that everyone has the possibility to see cartoons, you can visit the ECC on Sunday by the 'Pay what you wish'-principal. You decide what your visit to the exhibition is worth and according your own budget. This way of working is only possible because the European Cartoon Center is a non-profit organization that operates 100% on volunteers.
Keep in mind that your voluntary contribution makes it possible to make cartoon art accessible to all.
For groups there are different paid formulas:
Looking for an original group activity? During your visit, you will gain insight in our mission and how the ECC is working. Of course we will also give an introduction to our exhibitions, where visual language steal the show. A visit lasts approximately 2 hours and is available every day for groups of 10 or more.
The cartoon center is also a unique experience for schools. The program is tailored to the age of your class group.
Kruishoutem is located between Ghent and Kortrijk, just about 30 minutes from the French border. On the E17, take exit 6 and drive towards the center of Kruishoutem. You can park at the back of the European Cartoon Center or in the center of the town. Alongside the town hall runs a path that brings you to the René D’huyvetterstraat (a 5-minute walk).
The most accessible train stations are located in Oudenaarde, Deinze, and Waregem. With the public bus of ‘De Lijn’, you can also reach Kruishoutem by bus from these stations on Sundays. Get off at the Nieuw Plein bus stop. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the ECC
