First abstract art museum to open in Belgium

A new Belgian Museum of Abstract art will open right next to the René Magritte Museum in Jette, after a successful crowdfunding campaign.

The project has been in the works for around two years and will be the first of its kind. It is aimed to open in June. 

The museum is being built right next to the René Magritte Museum, and will exhibit more than 200 pieces. There will be works from paintings to sculptures to interior design. The works will also cover different periods of abstraction as well. The idea is to create a journey from surrealism to abstraction with both of the museums. 

The René Magritte Museum is a private initiative from a private collector, who now has the opportunity to display more of his collected works in a second location.

“He really wanted to present them to the public, of course, because here we have a small house which is dedicated to surrealism,” Fanny Pacquet, creative assistant at the museum, said. “We just didn’t have room for the abstract collection.” 

Now, their new building will provide an opportunity to display much more of their collection and highlight the importance of abstract art in Belgium. 

The crowdfunding campaign has closed after reaching its goal of €15,000 to cover the budget for the renovation.

“We are a non-profit organization, so this project it’s really based on passion of art,” Pacquet stressed. “It’s not for the money.”