Discover the renovated museum

Renewal on many fronts

The new presentation of the collection is thematic, with many works being displayed for the first time. Additionally, the park itself has undergone extensive renovation.

The Collection Pavilion has been redesigned. Inside, you'll discover masterpieces from the depot, alongside the rich library collection in the new museum library.

Your museum visit now begins in the brand-new Visitor Pavilion at the orangery. Here, you'll also find the new museum shop.

New thematic presentation

Over 200 artworks have been carefully relocated within the art park. The works are now arranged thematically, in relation to the surrounding landscape. In their new locations, surprising connections emerge between the sculptures, the park, and the visitors.

The new arrangement reveals the various relationships between humans and nature found in both the collection and the park. The four themes are: Motion, Human Nature, Urban Nature, and Entanglement. Each theme has its own zone in the art park, inspired by the specific landscape.

Now, the works are no longer isolated. They show how different artists grappled with similar questions. The green environment and the sculptures enhance each other in both directions.

Explore the four themes

Six zones in the art park

The four themes each have their own zone in the art park. Two additional museum zones have their own purpose.

At the open-air depot, sculptures temporarily removed from the collection are displayed. This ensures the entire collection remains accessible. Visitors can also observe how artworks are restored or maintained.

We are developing Zone East in collaboration with our neighbors ZNA Middelheim Hospital and the University of Antwerp. We aim to create a space where connections can be made. Much attention is given to what the museum can contribute to mental and physical well-being.

Explore the six zones

New artworks on display

Not only do the well-known works from the collection now shine brighter, but the arrangement also features many recent acquisitions.

For these acquisitions, the Middelheim Museum collaborates with various partners. Several works were acquired by the Flemish Community and placed on long-term loan to the Middelheim Museum.

Now you can discover the work of (a.o.):

Valérie Mannaerts (You again, 2021)
Kasper de Vos (A cast of a thought, 2021)
Philip Aguirre y Otegui (Fallen dictator, 2005)
Roberta Gigante (Double Twisting, 2021)
Caroline Coolen (Thistle, 2021)
Sharon Van Overmeiren (The Voyage of the Mascot, 2021)
Filip Vervaet (Setting, 2019)

(Newly) on display

Folkert de Jong, who exhibited here in 2006 and had a major solo exhibition in 2015, donated the work Act of Despair (Thonet Version), 2013. The Middelheim Promotors recently acquired Adrift, 2023 by Camille Henrot and Why does Strange Fruit always taste so sweet, 1998-2008 by Johan Creten.

Other works have been restored after a long absence and are now being displayed again or for the first time. This includes the sculpture by Per Kirkeby, which was heavily damaged by a spring storm, and Kosmisch Oog (1973), the white marble sculpture by Jan Dries that illuminated the metro station under the Antwerp city's Groenplaats for 35 years.

Redesigned Collection Pavilion

The Collection Pavilion also received a new design.

Here, we show the hidden collections that support our core collection in the park. These often include works on paper, small sculptures, and fragile pieces.

In the open depot arrangement, you'll first see various Masterpieces: works recognized as top pieces for their rare and invaluable significance. Other selected works from the depot complement the outdoor collection presentation.

An important "hidden" support collection is that of the museum library.

Our book collection mirrors the art collection. It includes books on sculpture, monographs, exhibition catalogs, and artists' publications. Every visitor can now browse and read the books and periodical selection during the museum's opening hours.

New Visitor Pavilion

Your visit begins at the new visitor pavilion in the heart of the museum. This pavilion, redesigned in collaboration with B-bis Architects, is accessible to everyone.

Here, you'll receive all the information to make your visit as comfortable as possible. All guided tours and group activities also start here. You'll find the new museum shop, lockers, and a water fountain.

Park ready for the future

Lastly, the park itself has been renovated. Large areas have been de-paved and greened. Many new young trees and shrubs have been planted. A new entrance increases accessibility from the parking lot at Beukenlaan. The installation of large water tanks ensures that the park is more climate-resilient for the future. You'll now see plenty of flower bulbs and stinzen along the new walking loop.

The green service's mowing policy has been adjusted for increased biodiversity and to capture more rainwater. This is essential for our ancient trees, especially as summers become hotter. This initiative makes the park more resilient for the future. The green service and the museum collaborated with Marjolein Eggermont from Atelier for Groene Ruimte on this project.

In the coming months, new signage and wayfinding will be implemented in the art park. Additional welcome signs, orientation boards, and arrows will guide you even better. Plaques with QR codes will be placed near the artworks, allowing you to scan them for information about each piece.