The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp was founded in 1810 and is home to a large collection of sculptures, drawings and paintings. A large portion of its artifacts belong to the 14th - 20th century period. The museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation and will reopen in 2020. However, the collections are still accessible at other locations.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is housed in a neoclassical building, dating back to the 19th century. The building is adorned with several sculptures including two bronze figures of Fame. It also features seven rondel medallions designed by several prominent artists. There are four sculptures of Architecture, Painting, Sculpture and Graphics. Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s original collection was owned by the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke. It received several other donations, including the donation of paintings and other artifacts by William I of the Netherlands. Some of the notable highlights of the museum include works of several prominent artists such as Jan van Eyck, Joachim Patinir, Jacob Smits and Auguste Rodin. The museum is home to one of the most noteworthy Ensor collections in the world.
Apart from collecting and exhibiting works of art, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp also endeavors to preserve and restore these artifacts. The museum has restored over 80 paintings in the past 10 years. Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp also serves as elite institutions for research and is designated as a public scientific institution of the Government of Flanders.