Rubens House Visitor Guide 2026

Your Visit, Step by Step

What to See and in What Order

During the restoration, the visit is the Rubens Experience followed by the garden. This is the order you'll follow.

Hopland 13: the new entrance All visits start at the new building by Robbrecht en Daem architecten, shaped like two great bookcases. Show your time-slot ticket at the desk.
The Rubens Experience An audiovisual show and interactive rooms follow Rubens from Antwerp to Rome, London, Paris and Madrid, with his self-portrait among the original objects.
Life-size paintings In the experience zones, his great canvases appear life-size and in close-up on screens, so you can see brushwork you would miss in a church.
Into the garden Step out into the replanted Baroque garden: parterres, citrus in pots, roses, peonies and tulips, based on his painting 'The Walk in the Garden'.
The portico and pavilion Rubens's triumphal portico, inspired by ancient Rome, and the garden pavilion at the far end are original. Look for the gods and Latin inscriptions on the portico.
The courtyard and loggia Walk through to the courtyard and loggia to see the façades of the residence, closed for restoration, and the Baroque studio wing he designed.
The library On weekdays, finish in the free library, with about 100,000 books and documents on Rubens and Flemish art on open shelves.

When to Visit

Opening Hours & Best Time to Go

Day	Hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri	10:00 – 17:00
Saturday – Sunday	10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday	Closed
Library (Mon–Fri)	9:30 – 17:00
Closed	1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec

Prices and booking on our tickets page and the official site.

Best time to arrive

At 10:00 on a weekday, the Experience is calm and the garden almost empty.

Spring (April and May) is the garden's best season, with tulips and peonies in flower, though it is planted to look good all year.

Wednesdays the house is closed: use the day for the KMSKA, open daily except a few holidays.

Before You Go

Practical Tips

Book a Slot

The Rubens Experience has limited capacity and fixed start times. Book online and arrive 15 minutes early.

Cashless

Card and mobile payments only, at the desk and the shop.

Accessibility

Lift and adapted toilets in the new building, two free wheelchairs to reserve, wide garden paths, guide dogs welcome.

With Children

Under-18s are free. Pushchairs can go in the garden; free baby carriers at the desk.

Free Passes

The Antwerp City Pass, the Belgian museum pass and ICOM cards give free entry.

Getting There

10 minutes on foot from Antwerp-Central, or tram/metro to Meir. Full directions →

Common Questions

Visitor Guide FAQ

How long do I need at the Rubens House?

About an hour for the Rubens Experience and the garden. Add time if you want to browse the library or sit in the garden. With the cathedral and the KMSKA, Rubens's Antwerp fills a day.

Can I see inside Rubens's house?

Not at the moment. The residence and studio are closed for restoration until 2030 at the earliest. From the garden you can see the façades, the portico and the garden pavilion, and walk through to the courtyard and loggia.

Can I take photos?

Yes, for personal use, in the Rubens Experience and the garden, without flash. Check signs for any exceptions.

Is there a cloakroom?

Yes. Pushchairs are allowed in the garden but must be left in the cloakroom inside, and free baby carriers are available at the desk.

Is it good for children?

Under-18s enter free, and the screen-based Experience and the garden suit children better than a traditional house museum. The visit is short enough to hold their attention.