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Museum · Antuérpia, Antuérpia
KMSKA
Museu Real de Belas Artes de Antuérpia, in the Zuid neighbourhood, with works by Jan van Eyck, Rubens, Jean Fouquet and James Ensor in a 19th-century neoclassical building.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About KMSKA
The KMSKA, short for Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, is the city’s fine arts museum. The neoclassical building, designed by Jean-Jacques Winders and Frans Van Dijk, was completed in 1894 in the Zuid neighbourhood, south of the centre.
A major renovation preserved the old rooms with coloured walls and created a new set of white galleries for modern art inside the building.
The collection ranges from the Flemish masters of the 15th century to 20th-century art. On display are Saint Barbara by Jan van Eyck; the Virgin and Child surrounded by angels by Jean Fouquet; and paintings by Rubens such as Vênus Frígida and The Adoration of the Magi. The James Ensor collection, the painter from Ostend, is one of the largest in the world.
Around the museum the Zuid has squares, cafés and galleries. The walk to the historic centre passes residential streets with late-19th-century façades.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours to see the main rooms.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays, when it’s less busy. On a rainy day it’s a good indoor option. Check the museum’s website for opening days.
How to get there
It’s in the Zuid neighbourhood, about 1.5 km south of the Grote Markt, roughly a 20-minute walk. From Antwerpen-Centraal there is a tram to the museum area, a journey of about 15 minutes.
Tip
Start with the rooms of the old masters and leave Ensor and the modern art for last. Afterwards have lunch or a coffee in one of the Zuid squares.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about KMSKA
Which artists are in the KMSKA?
Jan van Eyck, Jean Fouquet, Rubens, Van Dyck and James Ensor, among others, with works from the 15th to the 20th century.
How much time should you allow?
Two to three hours for the main galleries. If you are very fond of painting you could spend the afternoon.
Is the museum in the historic centre?
It is in the Zuid neighbourhood, about a 20-minute walk from the Grote Markt.