Het Zuid is located in the heart of Antwerp. Here, history and architecture meet, with the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) at its center. Curious about the stories behind this building and the history of the Zuidwijk district? With the ErfgoedApp , you ErfgoedApp a walk through time.
Outside the doors of the exhibition
The KMSKA reopened its doors in 2022 after extensive restoration and expansion. But do you know the story behind the original museum building from 1884?
The exhibition KMSKA, built for beauty gives you an insight into the history of this architectural masterpiece. Until January 19, 2025, unique objects, photographs, and archive material that bring the museum's design to life will be on display in the exhibition hall of DE SINGEL in Antwerp.
Walk 'The South and the KMSKA, an intertwined history'
With the ErfgoedApp , you can take the story of the exhibition with you outside and experience what makes this building so special on location.
During a 1.5-hour walk, you will discover everything about the KMSKA and the role it played in the development of the Zuidwijk district, from the choice of location to the design by young architects Jean-Jacques Winders and Frans Van Dijk and other architectural luminaries. The building was not just placed anywhere; in the middle of Antwerp's emerging Zuidwijk district, it marks the expansion of the city in the 19th century.
What will you experience during the tour?
The walk starts at the imposing façade of the KMSKA, a perfect place to take in the grandeur of the building. The tour takes you through the surrounding streets, each offering a different view of the museum's façade. We will tell you more about the sculptures and decorations that adorn the building.
Along the way, you will pass important buildings such as theSchelde Vrijmonument and learn more about the home of architect Jean-Jacques Winders on Tolstraat. For example, Winders depicted himself in the facade decorations of his house, supposedly so that he would always have a 'view' of his creation, the KMSKA.
Fun fact: when he purchased the building plot in 1883, the architect paid 75 francs per square meter.
How the tour came about
The walk through Het Zuid came to life thanks to the fascination ofKatrijn Claeys, an intern at the Flemish Architecture Institute.
"During my first visit to the renovated KMSKA, I was impressed by the combination of contemporary architecture and the historic building. I wanted to share the story of this unique building, and that's how the idea for the tour came about."
In collaboration withcuratorStefaan Grieten, she brought the history of the museum and the surrounding neighborhood to life in the ErfgoedApp. The tour combines fascinating stories with visual and auditory elements that allow you to discover a deeper layer of the architecture.
Practical
The walk through Het Zuid takes about 1.5 hours and covers 2.5 kilometers. You can follow the tour independently, without a guide, at any time that suits you. Download the ErfgoedApp your smartphone, search for the tour 'Het Zuid and the KMSKA, an intertwined history' and start your journey of discovery. During the walk, you will see old photos and hear an audio clip in which Katrijn Claeys tells you more about Jean-Jacques Winders' house.
The walk is suitable for young and old, aged 10 and above.
Are you ready to discover the history of the KMSKA and Het Zuid?
Download the tour on the ErfgoedApp and be surprised by the hidden stories of this beautiful neighborhood.
(Also available in English: The South and KMSKA, an Entwined Story)
Are you interested in heritage and architecture? Would you like to know more about the exhibition and activities of the Flemish Architecture Institute? Then visit vai.be.