Rockoxhuis

Nicolaas Rockox (1560-1640) was a versatile and respected citizen of Antwerp. He held various offices, including that of mayor. Rockox was a humanist and maintained contacts with various scientists and artists. He especially commissioned Pieter Paul Rubens for numerous works, such as creating altarpieces. He was also known for his commitment to the poor; for example, he financed a large grain supply, schools, hospitals, and almshouses. Rockox purchased two properties, one of which had an inner garden. He furnished his residence there and had embellishment and extension works carried out. After his death, the property changed hands frequently, with owners adapting it to their tastes. The structure of the house, however, remained intact. When KBC (then Kredietbank) bought the house in 1970, it was in a state of disrepair. After a thorough restoration, it was opened as a museum in the Rubens year of 1977. Visitors can admire a rich collection of paintings and graphics here, alongside the 17th-century architecture, featuring works by Rubens, Quinten Metsijs, and Van Dyck, among others. Rockox wanted his house to be sold after his death for the benefit of the poor. This occurred in 1715.

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