Foorwonder exhibition

Enter a world of enchantment, science and spectacle at the late-19th and early-20th-century fairground

Today, the fairground is all about big and fast rides. Only a century ago, the fair looked very different. Travel back in time to a funfair with anatomical museums and mechanical theatres. Experience technological innovations from the steam engine to the cinematograph, enjoy visual spectacle with magic lanterns and three-dimensional images. Meet exotic animals and talking objects, let yourself be enchanted by conjurers and illusionists. Receive love advice from fortune tellers and experience the rare wonders of the past.

Curious about the 'tricks of the trade'? Discover unique marvels and experience the fairground of the late-nineteenth century - (N)ever seen before!

​More information (Dutch)​

This expo is the result of a collaboration with Science at the Fair, who present their research results in the exhibition.

Press

• ​"'Foorwonder' in Huis van Alijn dompelt je onder in magische kermis van weleer": article Stad Gent (16 June 2025)
• ​"Huis van Alijn duikt in de 19de-eeuwse kermiscultuur met nieuwe expo 'Foorwonder'": article Het Laatste Nieuws (18 June 2025)
• ​"Nieu­we expo brengt nos­tal­gi­sche ker­mis­sfeer tot leven in Huis van Alijn": article and video report AVS (19 June 2025)
• ​"Huis Van Alijn: 'FOORWONDER'": video report Gent in Beeld (date unknown)
• ​"Geen botsauto’s, maar waarzeggerij, een aap in kostuum en de eerste fotografen: hier duik je in de geschiedenis van de kermis": article Nieuwsblad (21 June 2025)
• ​Culture Club, Radio 1: interview about Foorwonder with SciFair PhD Gitte Samoy (5 July 2025, from 1:50:10)
• ​"Waarom leerde je vroeger méér op de kermis dan op school?": video report, interview with SciFair coordinator Nele Wynants, and article Universiteit van Vlaanderen (6 July 2025)