In Antwerp, Belgium, the Rubens House, once home to Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, is partially reopening this weekend, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and work of the city’s renowned artist. Although the house is undergoing renovations until 2030, the new welcome center and redesigned garden will be open to the public starting Friday.

Despite not having many paintings on display – with a self-portrait being the main piece showcased during the renovations – the Rubens House aims to captivate visitors with its ambiance, reflecting the essence of the master who transformed the house into his studio and created numerous iconic artworks there.

The garden, featuring around 17,500 plants, serves as a transitional space between the reception center and the main house, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Rubens. Antwerp-based fashion designer Dries van Noten contributed to the garden’s color scheme, adding a touch of Belgian fashion to the historical setting.

Recreating the original Rubens garden was a challenging task due to the lack of surviving plans. Garden conservator Klara Alen drew inspiration from Rubens’ painting “The Walk in the Garden” from 1640, depicting the artist strolling with his family near the garden pavilion. Through research and historical documents, Alen discovered mentions of orange and lime trees, figs, and tulips, which have been planted in the garden.

Alen expressed excitement for the forthcoming spring season when over 1,000 historical tulip bulbs are expected to bloom, adding vibrant colors to the garden throughout different seasons. Currently, the garden boasts marigolds, roses, magnolias, figs, black oaks, and various citrus trees, providing a diverse and evolving landscape for visitors to enjoy.