New entrance
By showing the same courage that Rubens did when converting his house into a palace in the city, the architects Robbrecht and Daem have designed a contemporary building that will be the new entrance to the Rubenshuis. From now on, your journey through Rubens's world will begin at Hopland 13. Ready for an unforgettable experience?
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Rubens inside out
However you look at it, Hopland 13 marks a new start. Thanks to the extra experiences it will provide, you can get to know Rubens in all his facets. The atmosphere alternates between the intimate and the grandiose. In the Rubens Experience, feats of technology will immerse you in the artist's universe. Carrying out some independent research? Lose yourself in the endless collection in the library. And be sure not to miss seeing the garden. It was and still is the ultimate extension of the painter's palace in the city.
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Strikingly discreet
Four centuries ago, the site where the new entrance is located was where Rubens stored his extensive book collection. It is also where we are building upon his forward-looking vision of art and architecture, by realising a building in a contemporary design. A building that makes its presence felt but is still discreet, as it is located sideways to the artist's residence.
It is certainly a well thought-out solution. Not only does it preserve the view of the portico and the inner garden, but their connecting role has also been kept intact. Precisely how Rubens visualised them. Once the restoration of the artist's residence is completed, the recreated garden will act as a green link between the historical residence and the newly built section.
A garden that provides 365 days of pleasure
Ars Horti drew up a contemporary garden design consisting of 17,500 plants that will provide beauty in every season. The reason for this is because the colour advice from the Antwerp-based fashion designer, Dries Van Noten guarantees a varied palette of tints all year round. In this garden, experiencing nature and art merge into one. And you get to understand why Rubens felt that his garden was so important.
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Putting it all on show
Even the inside of the buildings remains faithful to Rubens. The two enormous diagonal spiral staircases are a symbolic step up to the movement and dynamics in his works. They immediately capture your attention and literally and figuratively cause you to look up. This is a trick that Rubens himself often made use of in his own work.
The hundreds of books he stored in this place were unimaginable. Even in the eyes of the people who designed the building. It has been interpreted as a sort of giant bookshelf, each level of which is crammed full of reading matter. Each one has a different approach. From the shop on the ground floor to the library two floors up.
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Discover more
Interview with Paul Robbrecht
Architecture firm Robbrecht and Daem designed the building for the new entrance to the Rubenshuis. Where did the concept come from? How was the idea developed? And what is the link with the artist? Architect Paul Robbrecht explains.
Alterations
The Rubenshuis has been undergoing a major transformation since 2016 and the work will not be completed until 2030. The alterations and the reopening are being carried out in phases. At the same time, the ambitions of the new concept are becoming clearer – improved accessibility, more space, extra facilities and maximum comfort and convenience, both for visitors and for the collection itself.
Always worth visiting
Rubens Experience
Who was Rubens exactly? The artist and the man behind the brush. And why is he so well loved? Find out by visiting the Rubens Experience. Find out what he was really like thanks to the life-like videos and interactive tools. Or look straight into his mind by observing his self-portrait.
Garden
Why not take the chance to wander through the over 17,500 plants in Rubens's garden? The advice of Antwerp fashion designer Dries Van Noten ensures 365 days of color across all seasons in a design by Ars Horti. Move around, view and savour the scents of this unexpected patch of greenery in the very heart of Antwerp.
Library
About, by, with or associated with Rubens. By viewing the thousands of documents in the library, you can dig into the artist's life, works and other relevant topics. Add to the story and visit the library to do some research of your own!