What’s new in and around Antwerp this summer?

The second biggest city in Belgium is brimming with culture and activities in the summer months. In addition to outdoor festivals and events, there’s a raft of exhibitions in museum spaces. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of open-air action in hotspots around the province.

City summer festival

The port city’s summer-long festival Zomer van Antwerpen is filled with live performances, screenings, concerts and more until 30 August. Drop by daily parties at Antwerp’s biggest graffiti space, the Zomerfabriek, where you can drink cocktails under trees, catch some “circus tango” or head to the docks for a bit of theatre. This summer’s sunset viewing spot over the Scheldt is at the Ledeganckkaai, south of the city (pictured, main image). Some festival events require a ticket, but most of them are free of charge. 

During the last week of July, the premiere of Everything by my side by Argentinian artist Fernando Rubio, is installed in Theaterplein until 7 August. Seven white beds stand in the middle of the square with seven local actresses inviting the audience into the intimate space where they share a story (in Dutch) about a forgotten childhood memory. For those who prefer not to crawl into bed, the soothing, poetic experience can be enjoyed from a distance. Otherwise, Musiek in the Wijk continues with a new headliner, Brazilian accordionist and singer Livia Mattos. 

Exhibitions and more

British sculptor Antony Gormley fills the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) with some 100 works shown in juxtaposition with the museum’s collection and newly-renovated building. Antony Gormley. Geestgrond is his largest solo show staged in mainland Europe. Major large-scale installations and new creations all explore the interaction between sculpture, body and space (until 20 September).

KMSKA goes to the heart of Belgian modernism in its exhibition A Red that Sings that focuses on three artists from its collection: Ensor, Schmalzigaug and Wouters, with the addition of loans from other institutions. Colour vibrates, moves and becomes a sensory force in their works as they sought new ways to visualise emotion and movement through powerful, vibrant pigments (until 30 August). 

The museum also welcomes a new generation of international fashion designers in KMSKA x YOUNG FASHION DESIGNERS. Ten designers interact with the museum's collection; each creation based on a personal interpretation of a work of art, motif, technique or emotion from the museum’s exhibits (until 8 November).

The Red Star Line Museum is a beacon in the Eilandje district. The former port north of the city was once the embarkation point for two million passengers heading to new lives in the US. The museum dedicated to the eponymous transatlantic shipping company that transported them, presents Drifting Belgians, a new exhibition by visual artist Mashid Mohadjerin exploring a little known chapter of migration history. Through photography, video and sound, it traces the journeys of Belgian migrants in the 1920s who attempted to reach the US through Canada despite strict immigration laws (until 30 August). 

The former maritime quarter also hosts the towering Antwerp museum Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), pictured. It currently presents Martial Arts, an exhibition about the history and cultural significance of fighting traditions from around the world. Through objects, stories and multimedia installations, the show examines martial arts as both physical discipline and philosophical practice, from ritual and spirituality to sport and self defence (until 29 November). Don’t forget to head up to the museum’s roof terrace for panaoramic views over the city.

Forty years ago, a bunch of graduates from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts jumped in a van and crossed the channel to present their designs at London Fashion Week. The positive response by press and buyers was immediate and by the early 1990s, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dirk Van Saene and Marina Yee were collectively known as the Antwerp Six. The city’s fashion museum MoMu celebrates the 40th anniversary of their international breakthrough with garments, archives and personal insights (until 17 January). 

Belgium’s other big pride event is in the port city, where official and fringe events and activities take to the streets, culture centres and clubs from 5 to 9 August. Antwerp Pride’s theme this year is ‘Fearless’ to celebrate the courage of everyone who dares to be themselves, day after day. The big Pride Parade and Love United Festival are on 8 August. 

Outside Antwerp: Outdoor art

Middelheim Museum is one of the oldest open-air museums in the world, offering a fascinating overview of more than 100 years of visual arts in beautiful grounds. Located less than 5km from the city, discover sculpture by some 250 big name artworks by Rodin, Henry Moore and Ai Weiwei, among others. Its first outdoor solo exhibition is by British contemporary artist Monster Chetwynd.

Showing until 11 October, it includes a new sculptural entrance -with a salamander as its motif - on the east side of the park; serving as a gateway for the neighbouring university and hospital. Serving a broader project in which the museum collaborates with children and young people from the mental health hospital, it explores how the art park can enrich the lives of people facing (mental) health challenges.

In the Mechelen park of Vrijbroek, contemporary art is on display in the mysterious ruins of the hotel that once graced the site. The Contour Series #3 installations in the vast green space draw inspiration from the surrounding environment. They are on show until 31 August.

Boat tours of Mechelen’s Dijle river are an ideal way to see the historical centre of the city. It’s also possible to rend a paddle board for a slower experience plying its waters. There’s a temporary swimming spot during summer months in the Keerdok area of the river.

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Photos: Zomer van Antwerpen; ©Antony Gormley Rise 1983; ©MoMu; Middelheim Museum ©Tom Cornille