Photos: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Peter Paul Rubens, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain GoldenArtists, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Peter Paul Rubens, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain GoldenArtists, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Rubens in Antwerp: his house and the cathedral paintings
Your local guide
Jonas Peeters
View profile
Highlights
- The garden and portico of Rubens's own house
- The Elevation of the Cross, inside the cathedral
- The Descent from the Cross, and the guild behind it
- Rubens's grave inside Saint James's Church
- The Grote Markt and the Brabo fountain
About this tour
This session traces Rubens through Antwerp, from the garden and portico of his own house to the paintings he made for the Cathedral of Our Lady. You see the Elevation of the Cross inside the cathedral and hear the story behind its companion piece, the Descent from the Cross. It ends at his grave in Saint James's Church and the Grote Markt beyond it.
The guide checks sound outside Rubens's house, then walks between the sites in an order that follows the painter's own life and death. Questions can come in about the paintings, the guild that commissioned them or Rubens himself throughout. A short list of the works and where to find them follows the call.
This suits anyone planning to see Rubens's paintings and wanting the background first. It also suits art history readers who want the story behind the guild-commissioned works rather than just the paintings themselves.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 7 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Antwerp before heading out.
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Rubens's house garden 21 min
The camera looks through the gate at the garden and portico of Rubens's own house, designed by the painter himself in an Italian style unusual for Antwerp. The guide explains which parts he built to entertain wealthy clients.
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Cathedral of Our Lady 21 min
Inside the Cathedral of Our Lady the camera holds on the Elevation of the Cross, one of four Rubens works the building holds. The guide tells the story of the guild that paid for its companion piece, the Descent from the Cross.
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Saint James's Church and Grote Markt 21 min
The camera finds Rubens's own grave inside Saint James's Church before finishing on the Grote Markt, where the Brabo fountain stands in front of the guildhalls. The guide explains the legend behind the fountain's statue.
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Your questions 14 min
Time to ask anything about Antwerp: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 6 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Moules-frites and Het Zuid, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Brussels time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Antwerp, showing you Antwerp Diamond District and Cathedral of Our Lady live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need any background in art?
No. The guide explains what matters as you go, whatever you already know or do not.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Antwerp live with my phone and you ask anything as we go.
Times shown in Brussels time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Sun 1 Nov · 10 seats left From 24,00 €
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