Middelheim Museum, open-air museum surrounded by greenery

Tom Cornille

At Middelheim Park, you can wander free of charge in every season through stunning sculptures set in nature. The open-air museum is divided into thematic zones and displays masterpieces by artists such as Rik Wouters, Panamarenko, and Alberto Giacometti. In the collection pavilion, you can discover works by Käthe Kollwitz and Georges Braque, while the library offers deeper insight into their lives and art. Round off your visit with a drink on the terrace of the museum café at Middelheim Castle, and enjoy the magnificent views.

Plan your visit

From country estate to sculpture garden

Middelheim has been linked to opulent Antwerp for centuries. Its name first appears in historical records in 1342. Over the centuries, the estate grew into a residence for wealthy city families. By the early 18th century, it was described as a playground, featuring stone figures, park and courtyard sculptures, a chapel, flower gardens, a brewery, a gallery, and a gatehouse. Two hundred years later, the city of Antwerp acquired this green oasis, transforming it into the open-air museum we know today — a real treat for the senses.

Home to top-level art

In the large Middelheim Park, you can enjoy art of the highest calibre. The open-air museum is divided into six zones across four themes: movement, human nature, urban wilderness, and fusion. Here, you can encounter masterpieces by greats like Rik Wouters, Panamarenko , and Alberto Giacometti, alongside emerging contemporary artists. Exploring the estate offers something to everything, of every age. Children can get creative with the Outdoor Art booklet, designed for 6 to 12-year-olds.

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Hidden treasures

The collection pavilion reveals more hidden gems, especially smaller and more delicate works by Käthe Kollwitz and Georges Braque. The brand-new library offers insights into their life and work. Need a break after all that art? The MIKA museum café at Middelheim Castle welcomes you to a terrace with magnificent views.

LUCID

To Vogelzang Park and Den Brandt Park

Still feeling energetic? From Middelheim, it’s easy to walk to two neighbouring parks: Vogelzang Park and Den Brandt Park. Vogelzang is an English landscape-style park with lawns, ponds, and beautiful woodlands. Children can enjoy the animal park and large playground. Den Brandt is a unique clash of styles; a formal French garden alongside an English landscape garden. A small cottage adds a charming, romantic touch. Is all that walking making you gungry? No worries, both parks offer tasty food options.