NEW NEW NEW - A new statue in the park - Tomorrow's Man by Catherine François - 2009 EA 3/4

For the artist, Catherine François, “movement is never-ending and eternal, when the energies are in balance, like life is.”

Through her Tomorrow’s Man, the sculptor shows that the balance existing between man and nature tends to disappear. This makes life on earth ephemeral and fragile, specifically for mankind.

She wants to stress this message ever since the installation of her first performance as an artist in 2009 in Knokke.

She presented her man in a humble position in front of the sea, his back to humanity, pierced by holes, and bending in front of the strong and powerful waves.

How much time shall he resist the waves?

She is hoping that her fragile man will trigger in each human being a more responsible and more respectful behaviour towards his environment.

While you are walking in Ooidonk, you will discover the third artistic performance of “Tomorrow’s Man” of Catherine François.

Eager to dive in the moats and facing the Renaissance castle, he behaves humbly in front of this castle that stands the test of time and has preserved the splendour of olden times.

The confrontation of the vulnerable and pierced modernity in contrast with the tradition and the history of this emblematic site has particularly moved the current owners of the castle.

The artist wonders whether she should withhold her endeavour and her reflection in order to permit to anyone to proceed at his own pace and to make his own journey.

“Maybe my message is less important than the free perception of each of us?” Eventually fto everyone his own journey in the imaginery…

NEW - The gardens of Ooidonk

31/8/2019

Not to be missed: Ooidonk gardens

Discover the French styled gardens of Ooidonk Castle, revisited by a renowned Belgian architect.

A beautifully alternating structure of grasses, rose bushes and hedge rows of different heights, sublimes the central fountain. It is a perfect balance between the verticality of the jet of water and the views showing either the castle or the woods.

What a pleasant surprise the visitor meets with when he discovers in this enchanting garden sculptures of different themes and periods!

The four corners of the fountain in the central terrace are encircled by ‘the four seasons’.

Two modern sculptures face each other between the rustling grasses: ‘The Man in the Hat’ by Jean-Michel Folon and ‘The Flight’ by Olivier Strebelle, both Belgian artists.

Leaving the French garden, head towards the open greenhouse and come face to face with ‘Odimo’, a work of art by which the Begian artist Mieja D’hont pays homage to her son flying away. With this unique and attractive bronze statue, the artist illustrates the theme of protective maternity.

Walk, wander, dream, admire nature with open eyes, feel the wind rustling through the branches of surrounding trees, look at the reflection of the castle in the moat… Breathe, feel alive and just be happy being here… thanks to the enchanting magic of Ooidonk.

Une brique dans le ventre - La Une (RTBF) - 27/1/2018

Watch the film.

Ooidonk Castle's gardens : well worth a visit

14/8/2017

We have acquired a wonderful new gardener who has really spruced up the domain’s gardens. The renovated greenhouse, which produces fresh herbs and vegetables for the castle’s inhabitants, is now also open to visitors.

A real ecological touch and a home to many insects and butterflies.

The terrace behind the castle is now host to a wonderful work of art by renowned Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon: “L’Homme au Chapeau” (The man with the hat).

Visitors are always welcome for gardens all year round at Ooidonk Castle from 09:30 until 18:00.
Only closed on Monday, and Tuesday morning.

Ooidonk Castle - Deinze, August 2017

Royalty

27/9/2016

Birgit is given an exclusive tour of Ooidonk castle by lord of the castle Count Henry ‘t Kint de Roodenbeke. It was built in the 16th century. There are more than a hundred rooms including twenty-five bedrooms. The estate covers two hundred hectares.

Royalty: watch the video

Kasteel Ooidonk in 'De Seminarieplanner' van De Standaard!

Kasteelheren van Ooidonk.

2/6/2014

“Ooidonk and its feudal lords – Chronicles of a family”

Come out in June 2014, published by Editions Snoeck, the book celebrates the 150 years of the t’Kint de Roodenbeke family’s presence in Ooidonk Castle.

Six generations pass on the traditions of this residence with an extraordinary historic and artistic past: Ooidonk Castle. Unusual anecdotes, hitherto unpublished photos, saucy recollections fill the pages of this exceptional book.

On sale in all the bookshops of Deinze and at Ooidonk Castle.
Price: €28 incl.tax.