Top 5 Antwerp Art & Culture: What You Can’t Miss
Antwerp, this interesting Belgian city, has an artistic reputation that stretches way back. From Baroque art to seriously impressive diamonds, Antwerp really has lots to offer. Maybe you’re considering a trip there? Or perhaps you are only curious as to what this beautiful place provides? This guide will talk about five must-see art and culture hotspots that make Antwerp such a unique destination. Read our full review: Antwerp Culture Full Review and Details
1. Admire the Art at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA)
If paintings get you very excited, then KMSKA, that is, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, is, well, pretty essential. You know, after more than a decade of being closed for renovations, it’s, like, back with an even bigger, bolder presentation of, almost, its rather staggering collection. Think Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens – the Flemish masters, you know – they’re all there in this incredible building, just displayed in new, inventive ways. You might find yourself spending hours taking everything in.
Why you should go: Because getting up close to artworks from famous names in art history really provides you, well, a direct connection to the artistic heart of Antwerp. Oh, and it’s an architectural marvel itself; it makes experiencing the collection, too, extra special. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Tickets KMSKA)
2. Explore the Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
Step into the fascinating universe of Peter Paul Rubens at, you know, the Rubens House, or Rubenshuis, a place that was, too, once his residence and workplace. It gives you such an, actually, unique glimpse into the life of this artistic titan, who has made, too, quite a splash on Antwerp. Here, in this very carefully maintained setting, so it’s almost like you can feel Rubens’ spirit, you see his paintings alongside furniture from that period, that paints an impressive image of his existence.
Why you should go: Because seeing where this person lived, worked, and really breathed allows for, arguably, a connection to his creative processes that you, I mean, could never get from simply viewing art in a gallery. It is rather intimate, too. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Get Rubens House Tickets)
3. Check out Contemporary Art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA)
So, after absorbing Antwerp’s heritage, M HKA – which is, very, the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp – is the ideal spot for modern takes and thinking outside the box. That museum really focuses on works from the latter half of the 20th century and art of the 21st, often showcasing artists that aren’t afraid to shake things up. Because this place always changes its exhibits, there’s that fresh angle to discover with each trip.
Why you should go: This place just shows you that Antwerp does respect artistic change. In fact, M HKA has created this platform for challenging ideas that invite everyone to reflect, in that case, on society and culture via some current eyes. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book M HKA Visit)
4. Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum
Step way back in time, alright, to when printing was totally, too, changing the planet at the Plantin-Moretus Museum. The museum, too, holds the spot for the single printing business and publishing house globally to feature as a UNESCO world heritage spot. Find out, more or less, about the Plantin-Moretus household, their work, that has aided in defining Antwerp’s function in book-printing history.
Why you should go: Seeing this historical spot can give people that sense of connection regarding literacy’s history as well as the printing revolution from the 16th century onward. Its rare books alongside printing tools do allow that peek behind publishing’s early moments. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Secure Tickets for Plantin-Moretus)
5. Experience Art Where the Saint Paul’s Church sits.
Okay, next head straight, too, for St. Paul’s Church for, potentially, quite a remarkable meeting involving art with spiritual thinking. First it acted simply as just one monastery under that Dominican order back somewhere near 1500 and now it comes across, almost, similar to some art gallery showcasing quite impressive Baroque styling features along with paintings made from major Flemish talents. If at all viable do visit Calvary Garden you can tell it tells Christ’s suffering narrative through just these number made scaled sculptures it seems all too emotional at all viewing opportunities.
Why you should go: Seeing St. Paul’s blends architectural beauty alongside artistic glory; adding on such introspective spots makes you think upon historical religious ideas told, arguably, just through artistry mediums there, or more likely, through nature experiences here! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan Saint Paul’s Visit)
