Rubens House

Rubenshuis is first and foremost a house. The place where one of the most famous Baroque artists of the 17th century lived and worked. And where he received people both professionally and privately. With open arms and always in a convivial atmosphere. Four centuries later, it is still exactly the same. Rubenshuis invites. To admire, marvel, learn and enrich. In Rubens Experience, the library and the garden. It is still buzzing with activity here today. The historic artist’s home is temporarily closed for restoration.   

After Rubens’ death in 1640, his house gets several owners. Especially in the second half of the 18th century, this leads to a number of drastic renovations. Fortunately, a few decades later, the realisation grew that the residence of Antwerp’s most famous artist deserved more attention. After many attempts, the city acquired the building in 1937 and converted it into a museum. The doors opened for the first time in 1946.  

When Rubenshuis was increasingly bursting at the seams and struggling with a lack of space, comfort and accessibility, the idea for a unifying overall concept was born in 2016. It heralds a fusion between the museum and the Rubenianum in 2024. The latter disappears as a separate institution, but lives (and works) on in Rubenshuis’ scientific library. 

How long does a visit last?
The performance at Studio Rubens lasts about 30 minutes. There is no time limit for a visit to the garden. A guided visit lasts 1.5 hours.

Is the Rubens House accessible for wheelchair users?
Definitely. We have a large lift and all our rooms have wide passages.  

Can I eat food in the garden?
Eating and drinking is not allowed in the indoor areas of the Rubenshuis. However, you can eat and drink in the garden. Tip: store your snacks or drinks in our lockers at the entrance desk. 

Can I bring my dog?
Rubens had one himself, but these days only guide dogs are allowed.

Can I film and take photographs?
Feel free to record your Rubens experience for later, or share on your social media. You can even tag us. Although some restrictions do apply:

• images are for personal use only
• tripods, flashes, selfie sticks and drones are not allowed 
• do not film or photograph security installations 

Do you have plans to record for commercial purposes? Then please contact Rubens House directly.

Where can we store our coats and personal belongings?
Good question. Because you might need your coat again for the garden visit. You can store these in the lockers near the entrance area. They are also suitable for storing handbags, rucksacks (up to 45x25x25 cm), packed lunches or personal belongings. You can easily set the electric PIN code for the lock yourself.  

I read about the rebuilding work. Is the Rubenshuis fully accessible? 
Only the historic artist’s residence is still closed for renovations. Studio Rubens, the garden and the library are fully open to the public.

Will I be able to see paintings by Rubens with my ticket?
Definitely! You will get to see some of our finest pieces. For the full collection, you will have to wait a little longer until the reopening of the artist’s residence.  

I have luggage with me. Can I store it somewhere?
Keep things simple and bring as little belongings as possible. But do you need some storage space anyway? Then use a locker at the entrance (see previous question). Please note: luggage larger than 45×25×25 cm may be refused.  

Can I leave my folding bike or rollator somewhere?
Bikes, folding bikes and scooters are not allowed inside our building. But near the lockers, there is space for rollators and a few pushchairs.

I have left something behind in the Rubenshuis. What should I do?
Always keep a good eye on your belongings. But don’t panic. We keep all lost and found items at our counter. Feel free to contact us during opening hours.