Het Kunstuur Hasselt 3 from 12/09/23 till 14/04/24

Masterpieces by Belgian artists from the period 1850 – 1950, exhibited in a unique way. Flemish celebrities talk about their connection with the artist or artwork.

The second exhibition in Hasselt ran from 12/09/23 till 14/04/24

"My grandparents' profession, my father's hobby."

Storytelling by Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium

Alexander tells a story about Valerius De Saedeleer's painting 'Before spring' (+/- 1908).

"With the rotting smell of the retting as well"

Storytelling by Baron Piet Vanthemsche, intendant of the Flemish government

Piet tells a story about Albert Saverys' painting 'Rootbakken' (1921).

"By order of the Gestapo, ‘Mansard’ was removed from an exhibition."

Storytelling by Bruno De Wever, professor and historian

Bruno tells a story about Jean Brusselmans' painting 'Mansard II' (1939).

"When I took off in the moonlight, I often thought about this painting."

Storytelling by Jean-Jacques Speyer, professor and civil aeronautics engineer

Jean-Jacques tells a story about René Magritte's painting 'The depths of pleasure' (1947).

"5000 niños de la guerra were taken care of in Belgium in 1936."

Storytelling by Phara de Aguirre, journalist

Phara tells a story about Victor Leclercq's painting 'Juan' (1936).

"Then I myself had psychotic, hallucinatory symptoms."

Storytelling by Dirk De Wachter, psychiatrist

Dirk tells a story about Floris Jespers' painting 'Moonstruck man' (1926).

"Did you know your great-grandfather? The chance is small. "

Storytelling by Piet Piron, a former judge

Piet tells a story about Valerius de Saedeleer's paintings 'Winter evening' (1924) and 'Deep winter' (+/- 1927).

"I describe the paintings as they exist in my memory."

Storytelling by Bart Van Peer, employee at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Bart tells a story about Gustave Van de Woestyne's painting 'Azure' (1928).

"I was born in the same year James Ensor died. Ensor is my mentor."

Storytelling by Arno

Arno tells a story about James Ensor's "The drunks" from 1883

"I also went there to kindergarten. It has completely changed."

Storytelling by Arno

Arno tells a story about Jean Brusselmans' "Lighthouse in Ostend" (1936).

"At that time, London was the most polluted city in the world."

Storytelling by Lia Van Bekhoven, correspondent in London

Lia tells a story about Emile Claus' 'Reflection of the light in the morning on the Thames in London' (1918).

"The bicycle meant freedom for women, away from doing laundry."

Storytelling by Saartje Vandendriessche, media figure

Saartje tells a story about Hubert Malfait's painting 'Woman on a bicycle' (1927).

"I imagine he died without realizing it."

Storytelling by Rudi Vranckx, war correspondent

Rudi tells a story about Alfred Bastien's 'Dead Canadian officer' (1918).

"They told my parents to come and say goodbye."

Storytelling by Wendy Verhees, lawyer

Wendy tells a story about Emile Claus' 'The golden sun' (1922).

"Until the bitter end, to die in the harness, that is how I want to end."

Storytelling by Guido Belcanto, musician

Guido tells a story about Jan Van Beers' 'The fallen star' (1874).

"You realize, in 10 seconds I'm going to ring the bell and the door is going to open and I'm going to ruin these people's lives. "

Storytelling by Alain Remue

Alain tells a story about Frits Van den Berghe's painting "Obsession" (1919).

Storytelling by Chris Brooker

Chris tells stories about Anto Carte, Léon De Smet and Floris Jespers.

Storytelling by Chris Brooker

Chris tells stories about Constantin Meunier and Léon Navez .

Storytelling by Chris Brooker

Chris tells stories about Jakob Smits, Eugeen Van Mieghem and Rik Wouters.

What can you expect?

An art-filled hour

A visit to The Art Hour is a unique experience that lasts for one hour.
Every 20 minutes, 8 people at a time are invited inside to enjoy this intimate experience.
Pre-booking is a must; also make sure you arrive on time!

A unique art experience

The works of art are lit up one at a time. You will hear music and narrative through headphones.
The narrators are Flemish celebrities (or less known celebrities), and they are projected next to the piece of art. They talk about their connection with the artist or artwork. In the chapel you will hear actor Jo De Meyere (from the first and second exhibition) or Jan Decleir (from the third exhibition) talk about the life stories of the exhibited artists.

Historical location

In Mechlin the exhibition is in "the Chapel of the Holy Spirit". This chapel dates back to the end of the 13th century and has been a recognized monument since 1938. The chapel lies opposite St. Rumbold Cathedral.

In Hasselt, the historic town hall is the place to be. It is situated in the city center of Hasselt.

Belgian masterpieces

The exhibited masterpieces by Belgian artists date from the period 1850-1950. A period that was affluent in a variety of art movements.

More than half of these paintings come from of private collections and have seldom been shown to the public. The other works are on loan from museums.