Art and culture at Kunstinstituut Melly in Antwerp

You stand before a former school building on Witte de Withstraat, where the facade features a striking sculpture by Canadian artist Ken Lum entitled Melly Shum Hates Her Job. This is the site of Kunstinstituut Melly, an art house that evolved from its origins in 1990 as a center for contemporary art into a multifaceted cultural hub. The institution serves as more than just a gallery; it functions as a space for curated exhibitions, live events, and educational programs, while also maintaining its own arm for publishing art literature.

A Space of Contemporary Dialogue

Inside the repurposed school building, you will find a program designed to engage with international contemporary art. The institution is known for hosting diverse experiences including:

• Curated group shows and solo exhibitions featuring international artists.
• Live performances and multimedia events.
• Symposiums and public debates centered on contemporary themes.
• Educational programming that expands the reach of the artworks presented.

The Evolution of a Name

The history of this site is tied deeply to its identity. Originally known as the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, the institution underwent a significant transition starting in 2017. The move to rename the center was intended to distance the organization from the historical figure associated with the street's name and acknowledge the complexities of colonialism. This period of transition included public discourse and a dedicated exhibition exploring the nuances of naming conventions before the official adoption of Kunstinstituut Melly in 2020.

Planning Your Visit

When visiting, you can experience the breadth of the art house's offerings by checking their current schedule for live events or specific symposia. The core of the experience is the interaction with the curated exhibitions and the unique atmosphere of the former school building. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture after your visit to Kunstinstituut Melly, you can explore other nearby institutions such as the Mariniersmuseum, Maritiem Museum, Miniworld Rotterdam, Nederlands Fotomuseum, or Wereldmuseum Rotterdam.