Museum voor Moderne Religieuze Kunst (MMRK)

About the museum

The Museum for Modern Religious Art began as the one-man initiative of the priest Jan Ghekiere (1914-1992). Before and after the Second World War he built up an important collection of artworks from his own time, and in 1974 he opened a museum in Ostend. The collection was later expanded under the impetus of the priest Mark Delrue and Father Fernand Van Heuverswijn. After the Ostend museum closed, the collection moved to Brussels.

Since 2007 the museum has been housed in the dome of the National Basilica of Koekelberg, on the third floor. A new display in 2015 offered a renewed view of the collection. The museum is managed by the vzw Friends of the Museum for Modern Religious Art.

The permanent display is divided into four core sections and an introductory space, where the origins and inspiration of the founder are explained. The themes range from the experience of existence (In the beginning) and the contrast between good and evil (On the way), through suffering as a mystery (Liberating vision), to hope and new life (New life). The museum asks whether art is merely an aesthetic matter or can also carry religiosity and spirituality. Visitors to the basilica’s panorama can visit the museum with the same ticket.

Highlights

• Permanent collection of modern and contemporary religious art in four sections
• Lithograph series ‘Pâques’ by Alfred Manessier
• ‘Passage du bleu’ by Geneviève Asse
• ‘You are the salt of the world’ by Fabrice Samyn
• Works by, among others, Ensor, Permeke, Tàpies, Rouault and Miró
• Located in the dome of the Basilica of Koekelberg

Permanent exhibition

• Vaste collectie – Modern and contemporary religious art in four sections (In the beginning, On the way, Liberating vision, New life), with works by, among others, Ensor, Permeke, Tàpies, Rouault and Manessier.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Vrienden van het Museum voor Moderne Religieuze Kunst vzw

Admission & discounts

No separate museum ticket is listed: a ticket for the basilica’s panorama also gives access to the museum. Tickets are available at the tourist reception or from the ticket machine.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is in the dome (third floor) and can only be reached by lift. The basilica’s glass lift serves all levels up to the panorama.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit