THE HOFKAMER: A HIDDEN GEM OF BELGIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Hofkamer (the courtly ceremonial chamber) is a stunning building in the garden of the historical site Den Wolsack. The original heart of the premises goes back all the way to the 16th century and has since then been used for a variety of purposes.

The task of renovating the Hofkamer was bestowed upon an anonymous architect by the merchant Adriaan Van den Bogaert and his wife Maria Anna Roggens in 1772. The façade was moved one metre to the front and was decorated with the newest designs. It became a sumptuous reception hall which displayed the wealth, luxury and status of the proprietors.

The crowning glory of the Hofkamer is undoubtedly the majestic ceiling painting “Gods on Mount Olympus”. This canvas was painted by an anonymous artist in 1772. Its placement in the Hofkamer was commissioned by a merchant’s family. With its surface of 65 m2 it is the largest canvas ceiling painting in Western Europe!

The first floor houses the renowned toilet of books. It was the most luxurious lavatory of its time. The room was moulded precisely after a real library, which is why the unrecognisable toilet bowl looks like a pile of books.

Both of these highlights are unique heritage features in Belgium.

Learn more

Grote Markt (Town Square) – Oude Beurs – Hofkamer
Mon, Tue: closed for guided tours
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 09:30: – 12:00
Sun 09:30 – 17:00

A serene location in the middle of the crowded city of Antwerp

A surprising hidden gem of Belgian heritage

Regrettably there is no elevator in the building.
Parking facilities are available in the underground pay parking garage near Grote Markt.
From here it’s only a 260 metre walk to the Hofkamer or you can be dropped off by a driver right in front of the gate.
€ 130
90 minutes
15 persons per guide
27 Oude Beurs 2000 Antwerp