Verbeke Foundation

Om museet

The Verbeke Foundation is a private art site that opened to the public on 1 June 2007. It was founded by art collectors Geert Verbeke and Carla Verbeke-Lens, who began collecting art in the early 1990s. At first their interest lay in abstract painting; later the focus shifted to collages and assemblages, mainly by Belgian artists. The collection was then expanded with contemporary art, in situ installations and bio-art.

The sheds of the former transport company of Geert Verbeke were converted into exhibition spaces. Together with greenhouses and a garden they form a site with 12 hectares of nature and 20,000 m² of covered space, which according to the foundation makes it one of the largest private initiatives for contemporary art in Europe. The presentation is deliberately unfinished and in motion: larger and smaller exhibitions alternate, and artists can stay there in residence.

The core of the private collection consists of about 6,000 collages and assemblages, mainly from the twentieth century, part of which is permanently on display in a space of its own. Culture, nature and ecology come together: bio-art and work with living materials such as plants, animals and scents suit the character of the site. On the grounds there are old lifting cranes and a water-hydraulic travelling crane from 1912 as industrial heritage. The entire organisation, from programming to bar and reception, is supported by volunteers.

Højdepunkter

• About 6,000 collages and assemblages, partly on permanent display
• Contemporary art and bio-art in a sculpture garden and in old sheds and greenhouses
• 20,000 m² of covered space and 12 hectares of nature
• Industrial heritage: lifting cranes and a travelling crane from 1912 by La Meuse
• Museum café with terrace and garden; an introductory tour on the second Sunday of every month

Permanente udstillinger

• Collages en assemblages – Part of the private collection of about 6,000 collages and assemblages, mainly from the twentieth century, is permanently on view in its own space.
• Hedendaagse kunst en bio-art – Contemporary works and installations built on site, alongside bio-art with living materials such as plants, animals and scents.
• Industrieel erfgoed – Old lifting cranes and a water-hydraulic travelling crane from 1912 stand on the grounds and are also shown as artworks.

Grundlagt

2007

Ejer

Verbeke Foundation

Besøgende pr. år

ca. 20.000

Entrépriser & rabatter

Tickets are bought on site; reservation is not necessary. Payment can be made in cash or by bank card. Parking is free.

Tilgængelighed

• Kørestolsvenlig: ingen oplysninger
• Elevator: ingen oplysninger
• Handicaptoilet: ingen oplysninger
• Handicapparkering: ingen oplysninger
• Servicehunde tilladt
• Taktile tilbud: ingen oplysninger
• Rundvisninger på tegnsprog: ingen oplysninger
• Letlæste tilbud: ingen oplysninger
• Synstolkning: ingen oplysninger

The foundation is housed in old storage buildings and greenhouses with a garden. In some covered areas it is poorly lit and the floor may be uneven or wet; the garden paths consist of sand with loose slate. Dogs are not allowed, except officially recognised assistance dogs. People with a disability and their companion pay a reduced rate.

Børn og familie

Children up to and including 14 years old enter free when they come with their parents. Tours are adapted to the level of the group, including for children.

Transport & parkering

By car, take exit 11 from the E34; at the roundabout follow the turn onto the parallel road towards Hellestraat and Koewacht.

Service & spisesteder

• Café

The museum café has a large terrace with a garden and serves hot and cold drinks, soup of the day, croque monsieur or croque hawaï (also vegetarian) and cake. For groups of 12 people or more there are buffets on order, which must be booked at least two weeks in advance.

Arrangementer & udlejning

• Lokaler til leje
• Private fester
• Firmaarrangementer
• Bryllupper / vielser

The 20,000 m² of covered space can host business events, wedding parties, staff parties, product presentations and trade fairs. For catering the foundation works exclusively with Food and Passion.

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