Discover the KMSKA and the South District with the ErfgoedApp
In the heart of Antwerp lies Het Zuid. This is where 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 Zuid district? Take the ErfgoedApp to experience a walk through time.
Outside the doors of the exhibition
KMSKA reopened its doors in 2022 after a major restoration and expansion. But do you know the story behind the original 1884 museum building?
The exhibition KMSKA, built for beauty gives you an insight into the genesis of this architectural masterpiece. Until January 19, 2025, the exhibition hall of DE SINGEL in Antwerp will bring together unique objects, photographs and archival material that bring the museum's design to life.
Walk 'The South and KMSKA, an intertwined history'
With the ErfgoedApp take the story of the expo outside and experience on location what makes this building so special.
In a 1.5-hour walk, you will discover all about the KMSKA and the role it played in the development of the Zuidwijk, from the choice of its location to the design of the young architects Jean-Jacques Winders and Frans Van Dijk and other architectural toppers. The building was not erected just anywhere; in the middle of Antwerp's emerging Zuidwijk, it marks the expansion of the city in the 19th century.
What do 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 time overlooking a different facade of the museum. We'll tell you more about the sculptures and decorations that adorn the building.
Along the way you pass important structures such as the monument Schelde Vrij and learn more about the home of architect Jean-Jacques Winders in Tolstraat. For example, that Winders depicted himself in the facade decorations of his house, supposedly to always have a "view" of his creation, the KMSKA.
Fun fact: in 1883, the architect paid 75 francs per square meter for the building plot when he bought it.
How the tour came about
The walk through Het Zuid came to life thanks to the fascination of Katrijn Claeys, intern at the Flemish Architecture Institute.
"During my first visit to the renovated KMSKA, I was impressed by the combination of contemporary architecture with the historic building. I wanted to share the story of this unique building, and so the idea for the tour was born."
In collaboration with curator Stefaan Grieten, she brought the history of the museum and the neighborhood around it to life at ErfgoedApp. The tour combines compelling stories with visual and auditory elements that let you 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 on your smartphone, find the tour 'Het Zuid and the KMSKA, an interwoven history' and start your voyage of discovery. During the walk you will see old photos and hear an audio clip in which Katrijn Claeys tells you more about the house of Jean-Jacques Winders.
The walk is suitable for young and old, from 10 years of age.
Are you ready to discover the history of KMSKA and Het Zuid?
Download the tour at ErfgoedApp and be amazed by the hidden stories of this wonderful neighborhood.
(Also available in an English version: 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 surf to vai.be.