About the museum
Peter Paul Rubens welcomes you personally to his home, the Rubens House. It was here that Rubens, one of the greatest artists of all time lived with his wife and children. It was here that he painted, together with his assistants, in his magnificent studio. It was here that he strolled around the garden and philosophized with friends. It was here that he cherished his unrivalled collection of art. And it was here that he died in 1640. In this house Rubens reveals his true self, since he personally designed the most important parts of this palazzo on the River Scheldt. An intense experience is awaiting.
The Rubens House is unique in the world: the museum has a collection of masterpieces by the master himself, his colleagues and contemporaries. Their beauty and virtuosity effortlessly span the centuries. The story of Rubens' life is written here.
Ans Brys
Ans Brys
Ans Brys
Sigrid Spinnox
Highlights
Portico and garden pavilion
Rubens had his house altered and extended according to his own design. Eye-catching features include the portico, which marks the transition to the garden, and the garden pavilion. They were exceptional structures that earned him a great deal of praise and admiration.
Self-Portrait
Compared to his celebrated colleague Rembrandt (1606?–1663), Rubens painted very few self-portraits. He produced just four of them, compared to the 40 or so that his Dutch counterpart managed. Rubens’ self-portrait is one of the main attractions of the Rubens House, not to mention an icon for the city of Antwerp.
Large Studio
Rubens' studio is one of the highlights of the Rubens House. The dimensions of the room are impressive. Most of Rubens' works are created in this studio.
Picture Gallery
Rubens bought and sold art and it was in this room that he displayed his impressive collection. It added further to the artist’s status and glory.
Garden
One of the beautiful spots in the Rubens House, is the garden.
Photo: Ans Brys.
Renovation
The museum is temporarily closed.
In the coming years, we will make the Rubens House ready for the future. The building will undergo thorough restoration and become more sustainable, safe and economical. A new reception building designed by Robbrecht and Daem Architects will rise on the side of Rubens' house. This new entrance will form the starting point of a new and accessible visitor route through the house and garden. The renovated museum will double in size.
Practical information
The museum is temporarily closed.
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Contact
Press
Nadia De Vree
nadia.devree@antwerpen.be
+ 32 475 36 71 96
pers.rubenshuis.be
Marketing & communication
Harlinde Pellens
harlinde.pellens@antwerpen.be
+ 32 475 85 52 53