Antwerp, Belgium
 

Rubenshuis Museum 

The impressive home that Peter Paul Rubens designed and lived in along with the studio where many of his impressive works were created has been restored.  You can stroll among many examples of Rubens’ fine paintings and drawings as well as many pieces from Rubens’ private collection which he amassed during his travels.  The house gives the visitor an idea of the environment in which Rubens lived and worked.   

Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.
Admission: 5 Euros
Address: Wapper 9-11, Antwerp
Phone: 32 (0)3 201 15 55

St. Jacobskerk (St. James’s Church) 

A Gothic church and the final resting place of Peter Paul Rubens.  His vault is in the Rubens Chapel.  There are many pieces of Rubens’ work here as well as the work of his pupil, Van Dyck. 

Hours of Operation: April through October: Monday - Saturday 2:00 - 5:00p.m.; November through March: Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Closed to tourists on holidays and during services.
Admission: Adults 2 Euros, Studes 1.5 Euros, Children Free
Address: Lange Nieuwstraat 73, Antwerp
Phone: 32 (0)3 232 10 32

The Jesuit Church (St. Charles Borromeo) 

Nicknamed “the marble temple” because of its opulent décor is a Baroque church with façade, tower, and much of the interior designed by Peter Paul Rubens.  July 18, 1718 the church was struck by lightning and caught fire and 39 ceiling tiles painted by Rubens were destroyed.  The main alter and the Mary Chapel, not destroyed in the fire, give visitors an idea of the church’s former brilliance. 

Hours of Operation:  Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday mass 11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Address: Hendrik Conscienceplein 6 – 2000, Antwerp
Phone: 32 (0)3 231 37 51

Cathedral of Our Lady 

Started in 1351, this impressive Gothic church is the largest in Benelux and houses four of Rubens’ most magnificent altarpieces: The Raising of the Cross (1609-10), The Descent From the Cross (1611-14), The Resurrection (1612), and The Assumption of the Virgin (1626).

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults 4 Euros, Groups, Students, 60+ 2 Euros, Children under 12 free
Address: Groenplaats 21 – 2000 Antwerp
Phone: 32 (0)3 213 99 51
Website: www.dekathedraal.be/en