In the spring of 2024, the Keizerskapel will be undergoing renovations. Opening hours and access to the Chapel may be subject to change.
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The late-gothic Antwerp Keizerskapel (Emperor’s Chapel) was built between 1512 and 1514 as the chapel of the draper’s guild. The authentic Baroque interior has remained untouched since the seventeenth century. The main altar was designed by Pieter Verbruggen (I), and crowned with a sculpture from Artus Quellinus (II). The latter’s father Artus Quellinus (I) is responsible for the chapel’s confessional, whereas the pulpit from 1689 was made and designed by his nephews, the brothers Pieter (II) and Hendrik Frans Verbruggen. The chapel also houses sculptures by Andries de Nole and Willem Ignatius Kerrickx.
In the paintings collection are works by Abraham Matthyssen, Theodor Boeijermans, Caspar van Opstal, Alexander Casteels, the studio of Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and (presumably) a work by Anna Maria Janssens, daughter of Abraham Janssens and wife of Jan Breughel (II). The Keizerskapel is also home to a unique collection of Antwerp silverware and textiles from the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Other highlights are a diamond-encrusted monstrance by Hendrik Corbion and the reliquary of St. Liborius by Jan Buijsen. The tower clock, gifted by descendants of Rubens and cast by Melchior de Haze in 1671 is also exhibited in the chapel.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Désiré De Bruyn, Director (December 2021)