A new look, a new meaning
Consolation. Pride. Inspiration and hope. The masterpieces from the collection of the 19th-century art collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh still stir up a great many feelings and emotions among Antwerp's residents today. From the Berre Fund to the artist Fred Bervoets and from a loyal metalhead to a mother-daughter duo, 43 well-known and less well-known museum enthusiasts share what touches them. A total of 90 works of art have therefore suddenly acquired a completely up-to-date interpretation. But that extends much further than just paintings: Fritz also had a weakness for sculpture, jewellery, ceramics and for utility objects possessed by a certain beauty.
In ‘Beloved’, you can rediscover 22 Flemish masterpieces and other masterworks, the majority of which date from the late Middle Ages and the 16th century. Follow the gaze of the musician Bent Van Looy past the ‘Hands of Henriëtte’, take a moment and reflect on the humour in Delft Blue and admire the ‘Jesus John Group’ through the eyes of the screenwriter Angelo Tijssens. Thanks to Girls in the City, the iconic Mad Meg (‘Dulle Griet’) is also set to receive a re-injection of female resilience.
Why 43?
Fritz Mayer van den Bergh died when he was 43 years old. His mother Henriëtte then made sure that the number 43 lived on in symbolic form. She set up the museum as a tribute and built 43 homes for less fortunate families, thereby creating a type of social housing that was ahead of its time. Today, this number lives on and is reflected in the 43 individuals and organisations that will be highlighting and interpreting the work that is their particular favourite.
A guest appearance in the Maagdenhuis
Museum Mayer van den Bergh temporarily closed its doors on 27 April 2025 for renovation and expansion work. But don't worry: on 20 June 2025, the exhibition ‘Beloved’ will open its doors just 200 metres away in the Maagdenhuis (Lange Gasthuisstraat 33).
Practical information
Visit museummayervandenbergh.be/en/practical for more information about tickets, opening hours and accessibility.
