The Rubens House closed its doors on 9 January 2023 for a long-term restoration. Prior to the restoration, for which the museum will be closed for the next few years, The Rubens House must be completely emptied. As such, the collection that is currently present in the historic artist's home will be moved. This involves 1283 pieces.
Some of the works will be moved to depots. Others will be on loan elsewhere for display or restoration. This does not just involve the 72 paintings, the move also includes 47 pieces of furniture, 32 sculptures, 195 pieces of household goods, 15 items of textiles, 729 coins, 8 objects in precious metals, 41 drawings and 144 documents.
Prior to the move, each collection piece undergoes a series of operations: checking material data, condition checks on all works, cleaning, labelling and packing. Only then is the collection ready for the move to the various locations.
Over the past months, the roadmap for the collection's move was meticulously prepared. The entire collection has been moved; the museum is completely empty. Take a look behind the scenes here.
