ART ON CAMPUS – STADSCAMPUS

Education, research and social service are traditionally part of a university’s mission. At the Antwerp University also art and culture have been added.

Since the 1970’s the Art on Campus Commission has been pursuing an active art policy, which has resulted in a collection of over 1,100 paintings, sculptures and other forms of plastic, mainly contemporary, art.

The works are not housed in a delimited museum, but, spread across four campuses, integrated into the environment of staff and students: on walls in the corridors, on ceilings, hidden in the greenery.

Art explores life and reality and, just as science, it opens new horizons. Art challenges intellectually and emotionally and can inspire students and scientists.

Antwerp University is willing to offer interested visitors the opportunity to enjoy its collection and the architecture of its buildings.

The tour on Stadscampus starts in the historic buildings of Prinsstraat, which in the 16th century used to be a splendid mayor’s city mansion. The garden of the large inner court was designed by Wirtz, the world famous garden architect.

The big and modern library, which houses the libraries of all faculties has been in use since 2007.

On different spots in the buildings you will find work by Luc Van Soom, Ysbrant, Philippe Aguirre, Sam Dillemans and many others.

Rector Dhanis Hall, designed by Driesen-Meersman-Thomaes Architects was the third laureate in the category of new-construction projects at the very first edition of the Bouwmeester Prize in 2003. The building is the largest auditorium in the Stadscampus and there you can admire work by colour artist Perry Roberts next to photos by Aglaia Konrad.

In the buildings in Rodestraat (1974) it will be difficult to make a choice among the many works by a.o. Fred Bervoets, Camiel Van Breedam, Jan Vanriet,…

The university has a few splendid restored buildings: the former convent of the Grey Sisters  and Het Brantijser: old and new establish a harmonious environment for works by Eugène Dodeigne, Yvan Theys, Johan Clarysse, …

Finally also De Meerminne is on the programme, the opposite neighbour of Saint James’s Church, designed by Jo Crepain.