Remarkable masterpieces added to the collection

Rubens’ palazzo in Antwerp is one of the best-known artist’s homes in the world. Enter the Rubens House and you literally step into the master’s world. It was where he experienced family joys and sorrows, and where he welcomed princes and dignitaries and where he did most of his painting.

In the run-up to “Antwerp Baroque 2018. Rubens inspires”, a dozen remarkable masterpieces will be added to the Rubens House's collection. Previously the Rubens House already welcomed a work by Tintoretto and two van Dycks. More will join them now, including several masterpieces by Italian masters who inspired Rubens, works by some of his most talented apprentices and masterpieces by Rubens himself, which will return to the place for which they were originally created for the first time since their departure. And of course, there is Rubens’ self-portrait, which revealed several new secrets during its thorough restoration.

The new additions will be published in the run-up to the festival.

Restauration of portico and garden pavilion

You can still see two original elements from Rubens’ home in the Rubens House, namely the portico and the garden pavilion. After 400 years, the time has come for a much-needed restoration. As a visitor, you enjoy exclusive access to the restoration works.

The portico and garden pavilion are the only two original elements of Rubens’ home and are also a rare example of the master’s work as an architect. These 400-year old elements need some restoration.

During the festival year “Antwerp Baroque 2018. Rubens inspires”, the public will be able to keep up with the restoration’s progress. You can follow and experience the restoration first-hand. Discover the craftsmanship of the conservator-restorers during tours, lectures, site visits and various digital applications. This is a unique opportunity to get very up close and personal with Rubens’ architecture.

The programme with special site visits, lectures, and tours will be published in the spring of 2018. A presentation will give you a better insight into previous restorations that were conducted in the Rubens House and first-hand testimonials.

Rubens House | from 01.06.2018

Enjoy the full Antwerp Baroque 2018 experience with the Baroque Festival Card.

In 2018, the City of Antwerp will pay tribute to one of its most famous residents, namely Peter Paul Rubens.

In 1628, the Augustinian order commissioned altarpieces from Antwerp’s three greatest Baroque painters for their church.