De Hofkamer

About the museum

De Hofkamer is a state room in the rococo style, right next to Antwerp's Grote Markt, at the back of a courtyard with a view of the cathedral. In 1772 an unknown architect was commissioned to convert the building in the garden of the house Den Wolsack into a reception room. It became a room meant to show the wealth, luxury and standing of its owners. Even the toilet was lavishly decorated to look like a library.

A gigantic painting hangs on the ceiling, The Gods on Mount Olympus, which opens the room onto a radiant sky with the boisterous Greek gods. Over the centuries several restorers made the work more decent: bare breasts were covered and colours were adjusted. Since 2016 the gods can again be admired in their full glory.

De Hofkamer is managed by Herita. You visit the state room with an audio guide; children can search for the Greek gods, and in the hidden courtyard full of plants there is a free cup of coffee or tea on Sundays from April to October.

Highlights

• Rococo state room from 1772
• Ceiling painting The Gods on Mount Olympus
• Richly decorated toilet, designed as a library
• Hidden courtyard with a view of the cathedral
• Audio guide and children's treasure hunt included with the ticket
• Coffee or tea in the garden on Sundays (April to October)

Permanent exhibition

• Pronkkamer De Hofkamer – Rococo state room from 1772 with the ceiling painting The Gods on Mount Olympus and a hidden courtyard garden.

Operated by

Herita

Admission & discounts

The audio guide is included with the ticket; Herita members enter free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

De Hofkamer is a historic building without a lift. The garden and the state room on the ground floor are easily accessible to wheelchair users; the first floor is not. The adapted toilet is on the ground floor in Den Wolsack. Pushchairs can only go to the ground floor and can be left in the entrance hall at the start. Pets are not admitted; assistance dogs are.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

Children can search for the Greek gods with a treasure hunt, including as playmobil figures. There is a changing mat for babies, and volunteers help warm a baby's bottle. Pushchairs can only go on the ground floor.

Getting there & parking

De Hofkamer can be reached via the heritage house Den Wolsack. Antwerp is a low-emission zone; Velo Grote Markt bicycle station is nearby.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

There is no catering in De Hofkamer; on Sundays from April to October volunteers offer a coffee or tea in the garden. There are many restaurants and cafés nearby.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

De Hofkamer can be hired for meetings and for photo and film shoots.

Plan your visit