The Rubenshuis ('Rubens House') is the former home and workshop of Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) in Antwerp. Purchased in 1610, Rubens had the Flemish townhouse renovated and extended on the basis of designs by Rubens himself. After the renovations, the house and its courtyard garden had the outlook of an Italian palazzo, which reflected Rubens' artistic ideals. The ensemble is now a museum dedicated mainly to the work of Rubens and his contemporaries. The city bought the house in 1937, and after an extensive restoration, the Rubenshuis was opened to the public in 1946. Dozens of paintings and artworks by Rubens and his contemporaries were installed in the rooms, as well as period furniture. Paintings include his early Adam and Eve (c. 1600) and a self-portrait made when he was about fifty. The Rubenianum, a centre and archive dedicated to the study of Rubens, is in a building at the rear of the garden.
Visitor Info
Rating
★ 4.5 9,200 reviews
Visit Time
~90 min
Best Time
Weekday mornings
Insider Tips
- · Check renovation or exhibition status before visiting
- · Do not skip the garden, which is often the highlight
- · Timed entry helps on busy weekends
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did Rubens actually live and work here? ▾
Yes — Peter Paul Rubens purchased the property in 1610 and lived here until his death in 1640, using the large studio to produce many of his most famous works.
What paintings can I see inside? ▾
The house contains a permanent collection of works by Rubens and his contemporaries, including pieces he kept for his own collection; major works are also on loan from the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
Is it worth the entrance fee? ▾
Most visitors say yes — the combination of authentic 17th-century interiors, the Italian Baroque portico, and the reconstructed garden makes it a unique experience beyond a standard museum.
How historically authentic is the house today? ▾
The house was restored in the early 20th century based on Rubens's own inventory and paintings depicting the interiors; some elements are reconstructed but the overall layout is historically grounded.
Who designed the Baroque garden portico? ▾
Rubens himself designed the Italian-style portico and garden screen, based on Roman classical architecture he had studied during his years in Italy.
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Rubenshuis — offline map & tips