Museum De Reede, Antwerp

Museum De Reede in Antwerp is a distinctive private museum dedicated to the graphic arts, focusing on the works of three pivotal artists: Francisco Goya, Félicien Rops, and Edvard Munch. Established on June 9, 2017, by entrepreneur and collector Rutten, the museum is situated in the historic center of Antwerp, on Ernest van Dijckkaai, within an apartment complex called 'De Rede'. This location is historically significant as it stands on the former site of shipping company offices involved in inland navigation across major European rivers.

Museum De Reede's collection comprises primarily graphic works-lithographs, engravings, etchings, woodcuts, drawings, and watercolors-spanning five centuries from the 17th to the 21st. It holds significant works like 32 lithographs by Munch, including a rare print of "The Scream", 37 etchings by Rops, and an impressive array of 140 etchings by Goya, featuring parts of his four famous series. The museum’s focus on graphic art allows it to explore the nuanced expressions and critical social observations of its featured artists, each within their distinct artistic and social contexts.

Rutten’s decision to create this museum stemmed from the success of earlier exhibitions of his collection in international venues, which collectively drew about 100,000 visitors. He aimed to make these influential works permanently accessible to the public.

The museum also engages with contemporary societal and cultural expressions through its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, which are both monographic and thematic. This approach not only showcases the historical and artistic significance of the works but also initiates dialogues with current societal themes, enriching visitors' experience by connecting the past with the present.