About the museum
Peter Paul Rubens welcomes you personally to his home, the Rubens House. It was here that Rubens, one of the greatest artists of all time lived with his wife and children. It was here that he painted, together with his assistants, in his magnificent studio. It was here that he strolled around the garden and philosophized with friends. It was here that he cherished his unrivalled collection of art. And it was here that he died in 1640. In this house Rubens reveals his true self, since he personally designed the most important parts of this palazzo on the River Scheldt. An intense experience is awaiting.
The Rubens House is unique in the world: today you will discover a collection of splendid pieces by Rubens, his fellow artists and contemporaries. This beautiful art, produced with virtuoso skill, bridges the centuries effortlessly. Here you can enjoy the tranquillity of the quiet garden amidst the bustling city centre and become acquainted with the story of Rubens’s life and the flowering of Antwerp in his day.
Not to be missed
Portico and garden pavilion
Rubens had his house altered and extended according to his own design. Eye-catching features include the portico, which marks the transition to the garden, and the garden pavilion. They were exceptional structures that earned him a great deal of praise and admiration.
Self-Portrait
Compared to his celebrated colleague Rembrandt (1606?–1663), Rubens painted very few self-portraits. He produced just four of them, compared to the 40 or so that his Dutch counterpart managed. Rubens’ self-portrait is one of the main attractions of the Rubens House, not to mention an icon for the city of Antwerp.
Large Studio
Rubens’ studio is one of the highlights of your visit to the artist’s former home. The dimensions of the space, in which Rubens created most of his works, are impressive.
Picture Gallery
Rubens bought and sold art and it was in this room that he displayed his impressive collection. It added further to the artist’s status and glory.
Garden
The garden is another of the beautiful places you can visit at Rubens’ home. It is a reconstruction of the layout he had in mind at the time.
Renovation
The Rubens House is expanding and renewing. We’re building a new, total experience that will firmly anchor the museum in the 21st century and set it up for the future.
The work will commence in the autumn of 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2024. A substantial part of the building will occur towards the rear of the garden. The museum will remain open for the time being.
Photo: Ans Brys.
Tours
The Rubens House offers one guided tour for adults. Groups with their own guides are not permitted.
Please note that it is not possible to book tours for the time being because of the Covid-19 epidemic. When group visits are permitted once more, the number of participants will be limited for as long as Covid restrictions are in place.
Duration
90 minutes
Capacity
- Max. 10 persons per guide while Covid restrictions apply
- Max. 15 persons per guide when Covid restrictions are lifted
Languages
NL – ENG – FR – DUI
Price guided tour
€ 105; not including museum entry fee (€ 8 p.p. or, for groups of 12 or more: € 6 p.p.)
Reservation
info@experienceantwerp.be
+32 3 205 56 05
www.experienceantwerp.be
More information about tours of the museum’s permanent collection is available here.
Photo: Ans Brys.
Practical information
Address, opening hours, accessibility
You can find all the practical information about our address, opening hours and accessibility here.
Getting here by bus
The D’Herbouvillekaai coach park: free, no booking required. The new coach park is located to the south of Antwerp. There is a Kiss-and-Ride zone at the Plantinkaai, where coach drivers can also stop to drop off and collect visitors to the city. Gedempte Zuiderdokken coach park: paid parking, intended for short stays.
Coming to Antwerp by car? Please bear in mind that the whole of central Antwerp is a Low Emission Zone. Register your car before setting off for Antwerp and check whether you’re allowed to enter the LEZ.
Admission
NB: group visits can’t be booked for the time being because of the Covid-19 epidemic. When group visits are permitted once more, the number of participants will be limited for as long as Covid restrictions are in place.
- € 8: standard admission
- € 6: trade rate, tradetarief, groups minimum 12 persons*, 65 +, young people between the ages of 12 and 26 years
- Free: children under 12, Gratis: -12jaar, Antwerp City Card holders, Museum Pass holders
* Subject to change
The ticket price for visiting the Rubens House is due to change on 1 September 2021. You can find full details of the new ticket prices here.
Details of how to book guides can be found under ‘Tours’.
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Contact
Press
Nadia De Vree
nadia.devree@antwerpen.be
+ 32 475 36 71 96
pers.rubenshuis.be
Marketing & communication
Harlinde Pellens
harlinde.pellens@antwerpen.be
+ 32 475 85 52 53