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The story of a museum and family residence

Historical background

In 1862, the Mayer van den Bergh family moved into the city palace on the corner of Lange Gasthuisstraat and Arenbergstraat. Fritz was raised to have a love of art. After his death, his mother Henriëtte had a museum built next to the family home. 

Museum reunited with family residence

Museum Mayer van den Bergh is expanding. The museum of the future will include the adjacent corner house - once the childhood home of art collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh - and a new building. The preliminary design for the renovation and expansion is ready! 

"Working on twelve 'Bruegels' at once is truly unique and challenging"

Twelve Proverbs on Wooden Plates by Pieter Bruegel the Elder is currently undergoing restoration at the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK) in Brussels. Why does it need restoring? And what exactly will the restorers do? We put these questions to KIK restorer Aline Genbrugge, who will lead the restoration.

A bigger house for Fritz's collection

Museum and residence reunited

Museum Mayer van den Bergh is expanding. The adjacent corner house, once the parental home of art collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh and until 2021 Antwerp's district house, will become part of the museum. A new extension at the back of the building completes the whole. The museum will close from April 27, 2025, for necessary renovations, but don't worry, you can still visit (part of) the exceptional collection at the nearby Maagdenhuis. Reopening is scheduled for 2030.

Pissing at the moon

IN RESTORATION | Pieter Bruegel had a thing about sayings and proverbs. And a sense of humour too. This is clear from these twelve little paintings, which together represent one of his 45 or so works.

A Bruegel on the move: masterpiece heads to Brussels for restoration

Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s painting Twelve Proverbs on Wooden Plates has been taken to the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK) in Brussels for a thorough restoration. Watch the video.

Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Practical information

Buy your tickets for a visit to Museum Mayer van den Bergh here. Read more about opening hours, guided tours and accessibility.

Exhibition 'Beloved' and guided tours

Museum Mayer van den Bergh is closed for renovation. From 20 June 2025, you can admire Bruegel's Mad Meg and other masterpieces in the nearby Maagdenhuis. Tours will also take place there.