The Organ collection Ghysels is a museum collection of mechanical dance and fairground organs. Since 2010 it is exhibited at the Kijk- en Luisterdepot (Watch and Listen Depot) in Kallo in Beveren, Belgium. It was brought together by Jef Ghysels from Schaerbeek.[1] Great part of the organs operated before the First World War.[2]

Organ collection Ghysels

Orgelcollectie Ghysels
Location within Belgium
Location	Kallo, Beveren
Coordinates	51°16′15.44″N 4°17′57.455″E
Type	Musical instrument museum
Collections	mechanical dance and fairground organs
Curator	Museum Vleeshuis
Owner	Flemish Community
Website	example.com

The collection consists of four large historical organs and twelve smaller ones, a number of organ statues, books and documentation material.[1] The oldest organ is L'Hermione from Genoa that dates from 1895. The youngest piece is the Brusilia; commissioned by Ghysels it was built in 1976. The organs in the collection were operated at parties, dance events, year fairs, and on the streets.[2]

The collection was bought by the Flemish Community in 2007.[3] The first exhibition was held from October 2008 to March 2009 in the Art & History Museum in Brussels, where the ball room Continental Superstar was specially created.[2][4]

In 2010 it was transferred to the Kijk en Luisterdepot (Watch and Listen Depot) in Kallo, near to Antwerp. Here the instruments are stored under acclimatised conditions at Katoen Natie.[1] Guided tours are given here in which is clarified the history of dance and fair culture at the beginning of the 20th century.[5]

In 2013 the collection was allocated to Museum Vleeshuis.[6] The collection still remains in Kallo until Vleeshuis has been renovated.[1]

See also

• List of museums in Belgium
• List of music museums

References