13 | 12 | 2025 > 18 | 01 | 2026
Pop-up expo ‘The Hat - Hats off!’
Discover a selection of the finest cartoons from the 25th edition of the Euro-kartoenale ‘The Hat – Hats off!’ at De Panne .
Plan your visit
Expand your horizons with the unique perspective of cartoons
Are you looking for an original group activity for a family gathering, a cultural activity for your association, a teambuilding with colleagues, or a reunion with your fellow college students? The European Cartoon Center is an activity accessible to everyone. After all, who isn't interested in cartoons: an art form that combines visual language, humor, and social themes.
During your visit, you will gain insight into the workings and goals of the ECC and receive an introduction to the exhibitions.
Why is a group visit highly recommended?
• Get an exclusive look at the operations of the European Cartoon Center
• Discover the diversity in cartoons as a visual language, from humorous stories to sharp social criticism
• Get inspired by a unique form of visual art
Fee
For groups, there are different paid formulas:
- Formula A: 5 euro per person (with a minimum of 50 euro) admission and introduction
- Formula B: 8 euro per person (with a minimum of 80 euro) admission, introduction, and a free drink of your choice
Make your visit extra enjoyable by choosing the formula with an extra drink in our BRASSERie. We can also provide apetizers, a piece of cake, or sandwiches during your visit.
Would you like to combine your visit to the ECC with another activity or a walk in the region? We are happy to think along with you to make it a fun day .
Reservations can be made at least 3 weeks in advance, via the form below. Your reservation is only final after confirmation.
Reserve now and discover how cartoons combine image and message into a powerful story.
Reserveer
René D'Huyvetterstraat 5C 9770 Kruishoutem (Kruisem)
By car
Kruishoutem is located between Ghent and Kortrijk. On the E17 motorway, take exit 6 and drive towards the center of Kruishoutem.
Parking is available at the rear of the European Cartoon Center or in the town center. From the town hall, you can walk directly into René D’huyvetterstraat (a 5‑minute walk).
By public transport
The most accessible train stations are in Oudenaarde, Deinze, and Waregem. With the transport company De Lijn, you can reach Kruishoutem from these stations even on Sundays. Get off at the bus stop Nieuw Plein. From there, it is a 5‑minute walk to the ECCMet de wagen
Accessibility
The ECC is fully accessible for wheelchair users. In this case, you may exceptionally drive up to the entrance.
BRASSERie
In the ‘BRASSER’ie you can enjoy a drink before, during, or after your visit to the exhibition. A Sunday aperitif, a fine local beer, a soft drink, or a good cup of coffee or tea are all available. This museum café is named after the Flemish cartoonist BRASSER and is decorated with several of his cartoons on the theme of food and drink.
Now in the ECC
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24 | 01 | 2026 > 24 | 01 | 2026
Opening ceremony exhibitions PHIL UMDENSTOCK EN KUSTO
On the 24th of January we open two brand new exhibitions in the ECC.
Only on invitation
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25 | 01 | 2026 > 30 | 03 | 2026
Peace despite war
Oleksy KutsovskyLees meerIn Peace Despite the War, Ukrainian cartoonist Oleksy Kutsovsky (KUSTO) shows how everyday life continues, even in times of war. His drawings speak of daily routines, hope, and resilience.
KUSTO, born in Kyiv in 1971, has been working as a cartoonist since 1998 and has grown into an internationally acclaimed artist. His work has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world and has received numerous awards. In 2024 he won the Bronze Hat in Knokke-Heist, and in 2025 he received the ECC Prize at the Euro‑Kartoenale Kruishoutem.
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25 | 01 | 2026 > 30 | 03 | 2026
50 Years with a Smile
Phil UmbdenstockLees meer“Can we still laugh about everything?” asks cartoonist Phil Umbdenstock. It is a question he has been asking himself for fifty years, each time he draws a cartoon. The French cartoonist celebrates fifty years of drawing with a personal exhibition at the ECC, titled: “50 Years with a Smile!”
The show brings together around one hundred humorous drawings, carefully selected from his oeuvre. And yet, it is not a retrospective. Come and discover the cartoonist with that touch of rock’n’roll, often described by reviewers as the artist who delivers an “uppercut.”
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01 | 02 | 2026 > 01 | 02 | 2026
Pancakes in the ECC
Lees meerWe have a tradition to eat pancakes - normally at the 2nd of February. But in the ECC we do it one day before.