House of the Cartoon, Home of the Cartoonist
Welcome to the European Cartoon Center (ECC). The ECC is more than just a museum. It is a house of cartoons and a home for cartoonists and cartoon enthusiasts. Promoting cartoons as an art form is the common thread that runs through our work.
We do this, among other things, by organizing new exhibitions every quarter featuring works by both national and international top-level cartoonists and caricaturists. We ensure a diverse mix of styles and disciplines because cartoons are much more than just funny pictures in the newspaper. Everyone is welcome—young and old—to enjoy what the world of cartoons has to offer, free of charge, on Sundays.
We also organize the Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem: one of the most important cartoon competitions in the world. Additionally, we promote Belgian cartoons abroad by organizing traveling exhibitions. Furthermore, we manage a collection of cartoons and maintain an extensive library of cartoon books and magazines."
How it began
It all began in 1978 with a small cartoon exhibition organized by the Willemsfonds of Kruishoutem during the Gilden Egg Festival, followed by a modest competition for Flemish cartoonists.
The success led to the Euro-kartoenale, that started in 1981 and attracted participants from all over Europe. The competition continued to grow, as did the collection of books and cartoons.
Thanks to the support of the Province of Oost-Vlaanderen (and later the Flemish Government) and the municipality, the ECC opened its doors in June 2007. The Argentine cartoonist Mordillo had the honor of being the first to have a personal show in the European Cartoon Center.
Sharing expertise
We are happy to share the years of expertise of our passionate team of volunteers with others. Our staff members are often invited to be part of the jury of international competitions, and we are happy to assist in the organization of cartoon contests and exhibitions.
We gladly utilize our broad network to bring cartoonists and cartoon enthusiasts together. Because our aim is to promote cartooning as an art form.
