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.

©Jeroen Broeckx

#1 Welcome to Rubens' garden

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.

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#2 From goat tannery to private paradise

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 Rubens garden.

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#3 In search of the garden of the 17th century

We jump to the late 16th century when the Rubens garden was a bleaching field and meet Rubens himself. We explore how this place evolved from a functional area to the lush garden Rubens created as his personal retreat.

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#4 The Antwerp Tulip Bulb Club

We dive into the botanical past of the Rubens garden. 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.

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#5 Irony of history

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 Rubens garden as it looks today, focusing on how the garden changes with the seasons.

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Have you listened to our soundtrack yet?

Hantrax and Theo Carpentier created a symbolic soundtrack for the garden.

Listen to the soundtrack

Podcast garden

#1 Welcome to Rubens' garden

#2 From goat tannery to private paradise

#3 In search of the garden of the 17th century

#4 The Antwerp Tulip Bulb Club

#5 Irony of history

Have you listened to our soundtrack yet?

Together we achieve more