Celleken's poorhouse - Mechelen

In the shadow of the Sint-Romboutstoren there is an exceptional historical monument "De Cellekens".

It was originally a place of worship, a home for destitute unmarried women and widows who received free housing from a benefactor.

In the beautiful inner garden is a beautiful set of three U-shaped wings. On one side the central Conventshuis and on the other left and right the typical houses with arched doors, built in 1854 . Each door originally led to two small rooms with a bed, wardrobe, chair and table. The institution owes its name to these small “cells” .

After a long period of vacancy and decay , the Smet-Teugels couple acquired the building in the city of Mechelen in 1992 . After eight years of restoration , the sculptor Mariette Teugels has succeeded in transforming "de Cellekens" into an extraordinary art and culture center . In addition to the living and working function with the sculpture studios , there are also exhibition rooms.

The inner garden, designed by master landscape gardener Jacques Wirtz , is an oasis of calm in the city where Mariette Teugels exhibits her sculptures.

Willem Vandenameele