Rubenshuis to close 2023 - 2027
January 21 2022
Picture: rubenshuis.be
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
It seems like something of a conspiracy that none of the major art museums in Antwerp are allowed to be open at the same time.
Just as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is set to open on 25th September 2022, the Rubenshuis has announced that it will be closing for several years as part of a major refurbishment. The museum is set to close on 9th January 2023 and will reopen in 2027. I suppose we might admit that the Rubenshuis has done much of the 'heavy lifting' since the KMSKA closed in 2011 and deserves some treatment of its own.
According to the Rubenshuis's website:
The Rubens House has been discreetly building the future behind the scenes. The planned reception building in Hopland by Robbrecht & Daem Architects constitutes a first, major step toward the 21st century. The contemporary facilities will resolve many of the problems or shortcomings that visitors, researchers and employees currently experience. With the revamp of the artist’s home in Wapper, the Rubens House is also renovating his largest masterpiece. The restoration will create more space for visitors and international exhibitions. The museum will also be fitted with optimised climate control, that meets the highest standards.
We will combine passive measures and sustainable techniques to optimally manage the indoor climate of this historic dwelling. A comprehensive restoration of the museum’s interior will enhance the experience while the addition of a lift means the museum will become largely accessible for people with disabilities. All the interventions will take place within the existing walls with the greatest care.
