The Rubenshuis will partially reopen on 30 August 2024. From then on, all visits begin at Hopland 13, where a brand new building will provide access to the library and the lush renovated Baroque garden. This marks the completion of the first phase of the renovation of the Rubenshuis. The historical artist residence, the old museum, will remain closed for now as part of the ongoing restoration.
The new building at Hopland 13 (Image by G2 Architectural Graphics)
The contemporary building, designed by Robbrecht & Daem architects, houses a colorful museum gallery without a ceiling where visitors can immerse themselves in Rubens’s life and world in the Rubens Experience. The new library offers access to 2,000 meters of books and documents, including the collection of the Rubenianum. The current reading room at Kolveniersstraat 20 will remain open until 28 June 2024. After that, the library’s collection will be transferred to the new building.
Map and plan of the Rubenshuis buildings and garden
The new garden has become the green extension of Rubens’s city palace. The contemporary design features 17,500 plants and flowers and will remain beautiful year-round thanks to the color advice of Antwerp fashion designer Dries Van Noten. This verdant urban oasis also has a superb view of Rubens’s home.