Rubenshuis

The painter's house and studio, restored to its 17th-century state

Address Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerpen

The house and studio Rubens built for himself in 1610 with the proceeds of his Italian years. It is the only surviving Italian Renaissance palazzo in northern Europe, designed by the painter himself in a deliberately Italianate idiom and finished over a decade. The studio on the upper floor is where he produced most of his great paintings, with a system of assistants whose finished work he would touch up himself.

The collection includes a number of Rubens works alongside paintings by his pupils and contemporaries. The garden, restored to the original 1620s Renaissance plan, is one of the most beautiful in the city. Closed for major renovation until late 2030 — check the museum's website before visiting. When open, allow two hours and book a timed ticket online.

things to do museum architecture
A story
Rubens bought the property in 1610 with the proceeds from his eight years in Italy, and rebuilt it as an Italianate palace surrounding two courtyards. He lived and worked here for the rest of his life. The garden — an Italian Renaissance design unlike anything else in the Low Countries — is original.