An unforgettable evening in support of the Rubens chapel
On Thursday, December 12th, 2024, heritage enthusiasts gathered at the Saint James' Church in Antwerp for a successful fundraising dinner in support of the conservation and restoration of Rubens' tomb chapel and its artistic treasures.
On behalf of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage and the Church Board of Saint James' Antwerp, we would like to sincerely thank everyone – both those in attendance and other donors – for their support and generosity.
On Thursday evening, December 12th, we welcomed nearly a hundred heritage enthusiasts, distinguished guests, and benefactors to the historic Saint James' Church in Antwerp for an exceptional fundraising dinner. This special evening was dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Rubens Chapel: a magnificent heritage jewel of Antwerp and winner of the 2021 Erfgoed Challenge Patrimoine. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring together such incredible guests in support of this noble cause.
Dining in a baroque gem
The splendid baroque Saint James' Church, home to the Rubens Chapel, provided a stunning and meaningful setting for the dinner. The evening began on a festive note with a musical contribution from Opera Ballet Vlaanderen. Hilde De Clercq, Director General of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA); Caroline Bastiaens, Chair of the Church Board; Judy De Roy, Head of the Stone Sculpture Studio at KIK-IRPA; and Stefanie Reyskens, Architect-Director at steenmeijer architects, shared their expertise on the artistic value of the Rubens Chapel. They emphasized the crucial role of donors and the local community in preserving this unique piece of heritage for future generations.
Together for a glorious future
An auction and raffle raised substantial funds for the restoration project. Auctioneer Henri Godts from Arenberg Auctions captivated the audience with flair. The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to all attendees and sponsors, whose generosity is bringing the Rubens Chapel closer to a glorious future.
Would you like to contribute to the preservation of the Rubens Chapel as well? Donations are still welcome via our form.
With your support, we can complete the restoration and reveal this masterpiece in all its glory to the public once again. Together, we are making a difference for tomorrow's heritage!
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