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Home > Venues > Maidens’ House
Maidens’ House
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Elvire Van Ooteghem

Maidens’ House

The Maidens’ House is a former orphanage for girls, called ‘maegdeckens’. Inside the beautiful building, visitors can discover the history of orphan girls and the care for the poor in Antwerp. The rich art collection, with works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, fits in surprisingly well with that story.

On the Mechelsplein, one of Antwerp’s hippest squares, you’ll find the Maagdenhuis (Maidens’ House). This mighty building, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, impresses with its stately facade and surprises with its beautiful courtyard. Until 1882, the Maidens’ House was a girls’ orphanage. Orphans were educated here, and they also learned to sew, make lace and carry out household chores.

One of the showpieces of the art collection is the unique collection of porridge bowls made from polychrome Antwerp ceramic – the forerunner of Delftware. However, the collection is extremely rich in variety: paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, an oil painting panel from 1500 with The Seven Works of Mercy, … It also contains the 17th-century ‘Houten Clara’, the wooden sculpture that inspired the Flemish novelist Hendrik Conscience to write his eponymous novel.

3 reasons why this is worth your visit

  • The Maidens’ House surprises with a remarkably rich collection of works of art from the 16th and 17th centuries.
  • The Maidens’ House touches hearts with the moving story of orphans, foundlings and the poor throughout the centuries.
  • The Maidens’ House is a hidden pearl and a haven of peace in the city centre.
Lange Gasthuisstraat 33, 2000 Antwerpen
Contact details for visitors
http://www.maagdenhuis.be
Lange Gasthuisstraat 33
2000 Antwerpen
Opening hours
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
The museum is also closed on the following holidays: 1 January, Easter Monday, 1 May, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, 1 November and 25 December

More than art
The Maidens’ House harbours more than just the works of the great masters. Discover with us the story of the foundlings, orphans and poor people of Antwerp throughout the centuries. You’ll dive deep into sensitive subjects, such as poverty, the abandonment of babies and solidarity. The everyday objects belonging to the orphans will make this unique piece of social history tangible. By the way, did you know that the Antwerp baby hatch (or foundling wheel) was first put into use in 1812?

Historic House
As an historic house, the Maidens’ House is one of those buildings that mark the city. It combines both the past and the present, and seeks to connect with new social themes.

The social and cultural interpretation goes far beyond the purely museological function of the past. The Maidens’ House harbours temporary exhibitions and other cultural events, as well as events in the broadest sense of the word. In this way, the Maidens’ House aims to bring the outside world inside and to present itself enthusiastically to the outside world. The museum also aspires to connect with its neighbours, the neighbourhood and the entire city.