Podcast garden
Explore Rubens's garden, a hidden gem in the heart of the city, where time has left its traces. This garden, once the secluded paradise of the great painter Peter Paul Rubens, holds stories rooted in history that have continued to grow and flourish throughout the centuries.
In this podcast we invite you to explore this unique place with us. We uncover the secrets of the plants and flowers that Rubens himself saw growing in his garden and explore the layers of history buried in this soil.
From its origins as a goat tannery and bleaching meadows to becoming a setting for the leisurely strolls of Rubens and his family, dig into how this garden has evolved over the centuries and now, in its restored form, once again shines as a lush Garden of Eden.
Join AudioCollectief Schik for a journey through time and let yourself be enchanted by the mysterious chronicles of the Rubenstuin.
Bring your earphones or headphones to listen to the podcast during your visit.
Episode 1: Introduction
In this episode, we get to know the garden and its current caretaker, Patsy, who guides us through her daily routine. We learn how the garden has transformed over the centuries and uncover the stories hidden beneath its green surface.
Episode 2: The Goat Tannery
We travel back to the 14th century, long before Rubens lived here. We explore the history of the goat tannery and the remains there are still to be found in the soil of the Rubenstuin.
Episode 3: The Pale Meadow and Rubens's Garden
We hop into the late 16th century, when the Rubenstuin was a bleaching meadow, and meet Rubens himself. We explore how this place evolved from a functional site into the luscious garden Rubens created as his personal sanctuary.
Episode 4: Plants and flowers from the Ruben Garden
We dive into the botanical past of the Rubenstuin. Research conservator Klara reveals which plants and flowers surrounded Rubens and how she is working to restore the garden to its original glory, with special attention to the rare and beautiful tulips.
Episode 5: The Calvinist Temple, Family History and The Seasons in the Reuben Garden
We uncover the surprising foundations of a Calvinist temple beneath the Rubenstuin. We explore how this site, once filled with religious and political tension, eventually became Rubens' serene Catholic sanctuary.
And finally, we guide you through the Rubenstuin as it looks today, focusing on how the garden changes with the seasons.
Visit the 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.