rubenstours
A walk with Rubens in Antwerp
Experience an unforgettable city tour through the old town of Antwerp with the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens himself.
A walk with Rubens in Antwerp
Experience an unforgettable city tour through the old town of Antwerp with the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens himself.
A walk with Rubens in Antwerp
Experience an unforgettable city tour through the old town of Antwerp with the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens himself.
An unforgettable walk through Antwerp with Peter Paul Rubens in person
Peter Paul Rubens died on May 30th 1640. Rubens was probably the greatest painter Antwerp has ever known. He was an extraordinary artist but also a superstar, a man of the world, a top entrepreneur, a diplomat, a spy and above all an Antwerp citizen.
Four centuries later, Rubens inexplicably rose from the dead and takes you on a walk through the Antwerp of his time, the aftermath of the Antwerp golden age.
Rubens will show you some of the most important places in his life. He takes you to his own Rubenshouse where he worked and lived with his two wives. Even the Queen of France personally visited this place. He will take you to the house 'De Cleynen Sint-Arnold'. This is his mother's house where Rubens spent his teenage years. He will show you his impressive grave in Saint Jacob's Church. He walks to the old Papenschool where he learned Latin and he will take you to the Cathedral of Our Lady where you can admire some of his most important paintings. Before you realize it, you will be back in the 17th century
Peter Paul Rubens (1577) was a painter, draftsman and diplomat. He was born in Siegen (Germany) and lived in Antwerp most of his life where he trained as a painter with three different Antwerp masters. He became famous as a court painter of the duke of Mantua and the archdukes Albrecht and Isabella. From his studio in Antwerp he made paintings for all major churches and the important monarchs of his time. The queen of France, the king of England and the king of Spain, they all wanted works by Rubens. Peter Paul Rubens married twice. His first wife was Isabella Brant who died from the plague. After her death he married the beautiful Helena Fourment, who was 37 years younger. On May 30th 1640, Peter Paul Rubens died of gout. They say that he would have died during the act of love because his youngest daughter Constanza was born exactly 9 months after his death.
Peter Paul Rubens is enacted by Antwerp actor Geert Beullens. He lived in Antwerp for almost his entire life, where he studied Dutch literature and philosophy. As an actor, he likes to play the role of historical characters and bring them back to life. In his childhood Peter Paul Rubens was everywhere. The name 'PP Rubens' appeared in large white letters on a huge biography in the parental bookcase and a visit to the Rubens House with the school was a regular occurrence. It is therefore a great honour that he can now show people his beloved Antwerp as Rubens.
Request a private group-tour
Would you like to book a tour with Rubens for yourself, your family, friends, colleagues, your association, or school?
That's possible throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday.
You can do so by contacting us by phone +32 (0)495 -72 33 09 or by submitting a request via the requestpage on the website
Let us know how many people are in your group and which time and date you would like to book.
Price
A tour with Rubens costs 15 euros per person.
The minimum price is always from 10 people, which is 150 euros.
All tours start at the Rubenshuis (Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerpen)
The tour lasts approximately two hours. Longer tours are available upon request.
The tour is suitable for all ages
The tours start from 10 people. If you wish to come with fewer people, that is of course possible, but you will be charged based on a minimum of 10 people.
Rubens speaks the following languages: Dutch, French, English, Spanish (with translator).
For more information and inquiries, feel free to call Rubens' private number: +32 (0)495 / 72 33 09
We are with a smaller group. Can we also go out with Rubens?
Of course, you can. Rubens offers tours starting from 1 person. However, you will be charged the base fee for 10 people.
Is a walk with Rubens wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, indeed. Even though wheelchairs didn't exist in the 17th century, Rubens ensures that wheelchair users can safely and smoothly navigate the city. For those who may have difficulty walking, Rubens provides plenty of opportunities to sit and rest.
Does Rubens also takes a walk when it rains?
Yes! Rubens is fine with rain. Every tour goes ahead as scheduled unless there's heavy storm.
Are there any additional costs?
During the tour, we usually also visit the Cathedral of Our Lady. Admission to the cathedral is not included in the price. It is free for individuals under 18 years old and residents of the Antwerp province.
More information can be found at the website of the Cathedral.
What language does Rubens speak on his walk?
The individual tours are available in Dutch, English, or French. If desired, we can provide a Spanish interpreter.
