Artist, marketer, scientist, diplomat and family man. Rubens was an extraordinary talent, but also an ordinary man. He lived and worked in Rubenshuis for much of his life. In his Italian palace on the Wapper, which he designed himself, he lived happily and voraciously. In his domain, he invited nobility, royalty and close friends to his studio and residence. He surrounded himself with a loyal entourage. From gardener and florist to kitchen maid and domestic servant. His wives and his children gave him the necessary fire of life.
From 30 August 2024, Rubenshuis will reopen. Your visit then starts from Hopland 13. The brand-new building takes you into the fascinating universe of Rubens. Who was Rubens really? The artist and the man behind the brush. And what made him so popular? In Rubens Experience, technological tours de force will immerse you in Rubens’ world and allow you to get under his skin. In the library, everyone can explore the thousands of documents themselves. With 17,500 plants and colour advice from Antwerp fashion designer Dries Van Noten, the new garden is beautiful in every season. From this green oasis in the middle of the city, there is a beautiful view of Rubens’ house. The artist’s house itself is closed for restoration.
With the same boldness with which Rubens converted his house into a city palace, architects Robbrecht and Daem designed a contemporary building as a new entrance. The building is conceived as a giant bookcase. Not coincidentally. This is where Rubens kept his extensive book collection four centuries ago. At the same time, it is a nod to his fondness for Italian architecture. The rows of columns on the outside are reminiscent of the muscular ribcages in Rubens’ paintings. The atmosphere alternates between intimate and grandiose. Rubens loved extremes. Artistic and personal. It regularly caused fireworks in his head. Come in and let it crackle with you too.
Seeing a Rubens is possible the world over. Seeing Rubens’ world is only possible here.