Mechelen

Across from the St. Rumbold tower
Minderbroedersgang 1-3

Het Kunstuur in Mechelen

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

Now in Het Kunstuur Mechelen

The eight exhibition in Mechelen runs from 17/02/25 till 31/08/25

Anniversary edition with the best paintings of the first exhibitions

Het Kunstuur has been around for 5 years

In the eight exhibition we show the best paintings and stories of the first exhibitions.

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

Storytelling by Arno, singer (tribute)

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

"It seems like the light and life is in the dead and death is in the living"

Storytelling by Alain Platel, theatre-maker

Alain tells a story about Constant Permeke's painting "The farewell" from 1948.

“I saw nothing but white. It was so beautiful like in a fairy tale.”

Narration by Bashir Abdi, marathon runner

Bashir’s story accompanies the work ‘Winter landscape with hay bales’ by Valerius De Saedeleer from 1931.

"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).

“Frits Van den Berghe was afraid of every coming night.”

Narration by Hans Bourlon, entrepeneur (Studio 100)

Hans’ story accompanies the work ‘Self-portrait With Skull’ by Frits Van den Berghe from 1938.

"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).

"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).

"I would love to be that woman right at the moment that I am looking at her, she is enjoying herself."

Storytelling by Lieve Blancquaert, photographer

Lieve tells a story about Théo Van Rysselberghe's "The retired model" (1924).

"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).

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

Storytelling by Arno, singer (tribute)

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

"A piece was cut from this work and sent as proof."

Storytelling by Martin Van Steenbrugge, ex-undercover agent specialised in art theft

Martin tells a story about James Ensor's painting 'My dead mother' (1915).

"We had our spades and buckets with us, and I started to dig a hole."

Storytelling by Christa Verledens, housewife

Christa tells a story about James Ensor's painting 'View of Mariakerke' (1901).

"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 painting '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).

"that he painted over photographs?"

Storytelling by Kris De Paepe, Het Kunstuur employee

Kris tells a story about Jan Van Beers 'Romance by Daylight' (year unknown).

Storytelling by Chris Brooker

Chris tells stories about Léon Frédéric, Valerius De Saedeleer, Gustave Van de Woestyne, Jenny Montigny, Oscar Verpoorten, Eugeen Van Mieghem, Floris Jespers, Rik Wouters and Emile Claus.

Order your tickets for Mechelen

In order to guarantee your place, we recommend you order your tickets online.

A visit to the exhibition takes exactly one hour with entrees every 20 mins for maximum 8 people at a time.

Click on Order Tickets to view opening times and prices.

You can direct your question to info-mechelen@hetkunstuur.com or by phone during opening hours on +32 (0) 480 62 85 03.

Order tickets

Group formulas

Would you like to book for more than 8 people?
With our group arrangement you can combine a visit to The Art Hour with other activities in Mechlin. For info, send an email to: groepen@hetkunstuur.com

Group arrangement