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In 2018, the City of Antwerp will pay tribute to one of its most famous residents, namely Peter Paul Rubens. His home in the centre of Antwerp is a must-see for anyone wishing to immerse himself in the life and work of the world-famous Baroque painter, who lived in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Rubens greatly admired Rafael, the Italian painter. So it will come as no surprise that Rubens designed his own city palace in 1610, like his illustrious predecessor. He acquired land near Meir, which was always a popular neighbourhood.
Here, in this house, Rubens created his masterpieces, his children played in the garden and he even received prominent, noble and even royal guests. In the meantime, his assistants and apprentices were hard at work in the studio, creating paintings. As Rubens shot to fame, he no longer could cope with all the commissions, which is why he worked with a team of professional artists.
The Rubens House was not always used as a house or museum. After Rubens died, his second wife rented out the home to the Cavendishes. Mr and Mrs Cavendish opened a popular riding school in the former painter’s residence. Rubens’s heirs acquired the property after the Cavendishes moved out. The Rubens House was renovated around 1750. The residential part of the building was demolished and a new-build added. The French even used the property as a prison at the end of the century.
In 1937, the city of Antwerp acquired the house and turned it into a museum. It took nine years to restore the Rubens House to its original condition. Two elements were preserved in their original condition, however, namely the portico and the garden pavilion. They are also rare examples of the master’s work as an architect. These 400-year old elements need some restoration. During “Antwerp Baroque 2018. Rubens inspires”, the public will be able to keep up with the restoration’s progress.
When you visit the Rubens House, there is so much more to see and experience than his house and masterpieces. You can also see works by his talented and famous assistant Anthony van Dyck and admire Rubens’s own art collection.
During “Antwerp Baroque 2018. Rubens inspire”, a dozen masterpieces, each an outstanding work of art, will be loaned to the museum, to make the story of the master’s life and work even more exciting. Definitely worth (re-)discovering the Rubens House in other words!
Price per person:
Discount rates
Prices
Minimum number of people 12 People per group.
Maximum number of people 15 People per group.
Price per person: €6
Enjoy the full Antwerp Baroque 2018 experience with the Baroque Festival Card.
A dozen masterpieces, with art historical relevance, will be added to the Rubens House’s collection.
In 1628, the Augustinian order commissioned altarpieces from Antwerp’s three greatest Baroque painters for their church.