Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

KAAN Architecten's design philosophy for KMSKA revolves around creating an architectural journey where visitors explore two contrasting yet harmonious museums within a single building. The historic museum offers a rich, atmospheric experience with its restored 19th-century features, while the contemporary extension provides a minimalist, modern environment that highlights the art collections. This juxtaposition allows the museum to unveil itself gradually, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience for all visitors.

Technical Highlights
Historical Restoration: Complete overhaul of the 19th-century building, restoring original colors, materials, and routing within historic halls.
Contemporary Extension: A new vertical museum constructed within the four original patios, featuring bright white exhibition halls and hidden rooms.
HVAC Innovation: Installation of an innovative HVAC system that delivers 'art-friendly' air from the cornice over paintings, mixing with 'human-friendly' air rising from the floor.
Art Movement Infrastructure: Design of concealed slits and vertical hatches to facilitate the movement of large-scale paintings between rooms.

Upon entering the museum, visitors encounter a grand staircase leading to the main vestibule, which connects to two distinct routes: one ascending to the renovated 19th-century galleries and the other leading to the new 21st-century museum. The historic galleries feature restored oak doors, tall columns, and plasterwork ceilings, while the contemporary galleries offer minimalist white spaces with varying natural light, providing a dynamic backdrop for the art collections.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp has garnered attention for its innovative approach to blending historical restoration with contemporary design, offering a unique and enriching experience for art enthusiasts and visitors alike.

For more information and images, visit the official project page.