The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp It is one of those places that you have to visit once in your life. The reason? has a important collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings spanning from the 14th to the 20th century, representative of artistic production and enthusiasm for art in this Belgian city , and in the country in general. For this reason, the announcement of reopening has been eagerly awaited by art lovers: finally, the September 25, 2022 , as they have just announced from the art gallery.
It houses works of some of the greatest exponents of the well-known Flemish school, such as Rubens, which will now be presented in a much bolder way. “We are working hard to be able to show you, within a year, our unique collection of masterpieces in a splendid historical and new building at the same time. In a new and surprising way. We are very ambitious. We will amaze, we will enrich and we will connect”, they assure from the art gallery.
A RISKY REFORM
The mere extension of the building is already quite striking, worked through straight lines, almost reflective spaces, as if from the future. In fact, it's like " hidden " within the exhibition center itself, and it has nothing to do with its neoclassical construction: it is a vertical museum -with 23 meters from floor to ceiling- , which is a completely self-contained entity built within the original four courtyards. With bright white showrooms hidden rooms long stairs , long-range sight lines and different gradations of natural light, the new museum traces a route full of surprising vertical experiences.
See photos: The museums you have to visit once in your life
From the Belgian firm Kaan Architecten, in charge of the project, they have managed, however, that the dialogue between the two structures makes sense, also restoring the original colors, materials and paths of the historic halls. Now, the old rooms are tinted dark pink, green and red, just as they were originally planned ; the oak doors have been restored to their splendor and the tall columns and plaster ceiling adornments convey a sense of ancient grandeur.
The old rooms will maintain their splendor
“THE BEST 100”, A 'TEST GROUP' SO THAT NOTHING FAILS
Another of the ties that bind the Museum of Fine Arts with the present is its twenty artists in residence, “watchful minds that challenge us to maintain the relevance of centennial art”. each one is working on the collection, building or operation of the museum, and their joint efforts are being verified by what the center calls "The Best 100."
These 100 participants, chosen from among more than 4,700 candidates, have the opportunity to test everything that is being developed for the public before the opening . “This test group is essential, and they work hard. It offers fascinating insights. In this way, we eliminate as many initial problems as possible even before opening”, they explain from the center. “The entire team at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts is as impatient as you ”, summarize those responsible for the art gallery with emotion.