Open Air Sculpture Museum Middelheim: Living Art History

The Middelheim Museum in Antwerp is a unique space where art history meets nature. Opened in the 1950s, it offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of sculptures while strolling through picturesque parks and enjoying the works of both classical and contemporary masters. More than just an open-air museum, it is a true cultural centre where art becomes part of everyday life.

History of the creation of the Middelheim Museum

The Middelheim Museum was founded in 1950 as a temporary exhibition of contemporary sculpture as part of the Antwerp International Art Festival. It was originally intended to be a short-term event, but the success of the exhibition was so great that the city authorities decided to leave the exhibition in the park permanently, thus creating an open-air museum. In 1951, the museum was officially granted permanent status.

Key stages in the history of the museum:

• The first temporary exhibition marked the beginning of the creation of the museum.
• Transformation of the temporary exhibition into a permanent museum.
• The first expansion of the collection, including works by contemporary sculptors.
• Introduction of installations and multimedia art projects, expansion into the international arena.
• Opening of a new pavilion for temporary exhibitions and installations.

The Middelheim Museum has evolved from a temporary exhibition to an important cultural centre with an international reputation. Its history is an example of how art can go beyond traditional museums, creating a unique space where nature and art intertwine. The museum constantly updates its collection, maintaining interest in contemporary art.

Interesting fact: Middelheim is considered one of the first open-air museums in Europe and one of the largest on the continent.

Location and how to get there

The Middelheim Museum is located in the south of Antwerp, in the Middelheim Park, making it easily accessible to visitors. The museum address is: Middelheimlaan 61, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium. For those who prefer public transport, there are several convenient ways to get to the museum.

How to get there:

• No. 7 – to the stop Le Grellelaan. From there it’s about a 10-minute walk to the museum. No. 15 – to the stop Middelheimpark, walk through the park for only 5-7 minutes.
• No. 17 – stop Krijgslaan, then walk about 10 minutes through the park. No. 21 and No. 32 – stop Groenenborgerlaan, about 15 minutes walk.
• Train: Once you reach Antwerp Central Station, change to tram 7 or bus 17.

The museum is located in a picturesque part of the city and is easy to visit both by public transport and on foot. Thanks to convenient transport interchanges, you can get to the museum with minimal effort. It is perfectly integrated into the natural environment of the park, which allows visitors to not only enjoy art, but also relax surrounded by nature.

Fun fact: The museum is located close to the University of Antwerp, making it a popular destination for students and researchers.

Museum collection

The Middelheim Museum collection includes more than 400 sculptures by renowned masters of modern and classical art. The exhibits are located outdoors and integrated into the natural landscape of the park. The museum presents works spanning more than 100 years of sculpture, and each sculpture reflects the key trends of its time.

Some of the most iconic exhibits include:

• “Horse and Rider” (1965), by Etienne-Martin. The majestic bronze sculpture depicts a medieval rider on a horse and symbolizes inner strength and struggle.
• “Anthropomorphic Form” (1952), by Henry Moore. This work by one of the greatest British sculptors of the 20th century demonstrates an abstract vision of the human body.
• “The Human Face” (1980), by Jean Arp. Arp, one of the founders of the Dadaist movement, created this sculpture as a representation of the harmony between nature and man.
• “Harmony of Space” (1986), author Sofia Vosniadou. The Greek sculptor created this work emphasizing the interaction of geometric forms and the surrounding space.
• “The Little Dancer” (1937), by Edgar Degas. Degas’ famous sculpture embodies the grace of a ballerina and is one of his most recognizable works.
• “Untitled” (2010), by Antonio Torre. An abstract metal installation exploring the boundaries between art and engineering.
• “Head of Medusa” (1990), author Richard Decortis. The sculpture personifies the ancient Greek myth and is executed with amazing detail.
• “Free Form” (1998), by Bernardo Martinez. The work reflects the exploration of geometry and simplicity through modern metal casting technologies.

The collection of the Middelheim Museum covers a vast period of time and offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of sculpture from classical pieces to contemporary abstract forms. The museum space is designed in such a way that each exhibit harmonizes with the natural surroundings, creating an immersive experience in the world of art. It is not only an open-air gallery, but also a cultural landmark that attracts art lovers from all over the world.

Interesting fact: one of the features of the museum is the presence of permanent installations that change depending on the season and natural conditions, creating a dynamic perception of works of art.

Exhibitions and other events

In addition to the permanent exhibition, Middelheim regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that attract the attention of both locals and tourists. Art workshops, lectures and open-air concerts are also held here.

The museum’s main events and exhibitions include:

• The annual exhibition “Contemporary Sculptures” is held every summer and presents new works by contemporary artists, created especially for the museum.
• “Museum Night” is a special event that takes place once a year, when the museum is open until midnight, giving the opportunity to see the collection in a night-time setting.
• Sculptural master classes. For children and adults, classes are organized on creating sculptures from various materials.
• Lectures and seminars on contemporary art, featuring renowned art historians and sculptors.
• Interactive installations: The museum periodically invites artists to create temporary installations that visitors can interact with.
• Cultural festivals. The museum grounds often host events dedicated to art, music and other creative activities.
• Guided tours. Organized for groups and individuals to get acquainted with the history of the museum and its collection.

The Middelheim Museum offers a wide range of cultural events that appeal to both art lovers and those just starting to get acquainted with the world of sculpture. The exhibitions change every season, making each visit to the museum unique. In addition, various events and workshops provide visitors with the opportunity to get to know the process of creating works of art.

Fun fact: The museum also hosts special kids events where kids can try their hand at making sculptures and even display their work in temporary exhibitions.

Ticket prices and opening hours

Middelheim is open to visitors all year round, making it accessible to everyone at any time. Entry to the museum is free, allowing everyone to enjoy art without having to worry about their budget.

Museum opening hours and contact details:

• The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Days off: Monday.
• Official website. http://www.middelheimmuseum.be.
• +32 3 288 33 60.
• Middelheimlaan 61, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.

Fun fact: The Middelheim Museum is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe, and its collection continues to expand through collaborations with international artists.

The Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum is a unique place where art and nature are united in a harmonious tandem. The museum’s history, rich in events and important dates, testifies to its importance for the cultural life of Antwerp and world sculpture. Exhibits, exhibitions and cultural events attract not only tourists, but also city residents, creating an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration. By visiting the museum, you can immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art, enjoying the beauty of unique open-air sculptures.