Masterpieces in the MAS

The opening exhibition “Masterpieces in the MAS. Five centuries of the image in Antwerp” shows the evolution of the image culture from the Middle Ages up to now by means of top pieces from the Antwerp collections.

The economic success of the port of Antwerp in the 16^th and 17^th century enabled an important turning point in the world of arts. As it was no longer the nobility and church who ordered art works, but also the rich bourgeoisie creating a boom and giving the greatness of Rubens a platfom.

The fundaments of nowadays image culture and the international art market were founded in the city and Antwerp continued to be a popular city of arts.

Event starts May 17, 2011 and ends December 31, 2012