New M HKA . Antwerp design by Christ & Gantenbein & Bovenbouw Architectuur
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Project: New M HKA . Antwerp
Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
Architects: Christ & Gantenbein & Bovenbouw Architectuur
Renders: Filippo Bolognese
Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
Architects: Christ & Gantenbein & Bovenbouw Architectuur
Renders: Filippo Bolognese
Christ & Gantenbein and Bovenbouw winners of the international competition for the new M HKA in Antwerp.
The new museum will become a defining landmark in Antwerp’s cityscape, showcasing contemporary art through a sustainable and innovative approach. As a new meeting place for a diversity of people, communities and artistic worlds, it will serve as a key cultural catalyst for Flanders, further elevating the museum’s presence on the international stage.
The project was developed in collaboration with Atmos Lab, NEY & Partners, Robin Winogrond, Waldhauser + Hermann, Arcade Engineering, Jensen Hughes, Arcade Engineering, Jaspers-Eyers, M-gineers, beersnielsen.
Bovenbouw Architectuur and Christ & Gantenbein were selected by the client, following the assessment committee’s recommendation, from a shortlist of six design teams. The design team distinguished itself from the other candidates through its concept and vision development, which it demonstrated with a conceptual design and an accompanying vision statement. These illustrated and described how their approach adds value to the urban context and broader social framework, enhances spatial and architectural quality, and prioritises sustainable and circular construction. The preliminary design and vision statement by Bovenbouw Architectuur and Christ & Gantenbein translates this concept into a tower volume with a stepped arrangement of distinct yet clearly recognisable parts. Like other iconic towers in the city, this layered structure fosters interconnectivity and complexity. The proposal seeks to unite both inward-facing and outward-facing spaces, stacking distinct volumes that rise from the city while revealing their respective functions, shaping the museum’s unique form. The tower volume is rooted in the provisions of the SIP, which support the choice for high-rise on this site for several reasons. First, the city aims to create an iconic building that strengthens the cultural core of Het Zuid district and serves as a landmark in the cityscape. Its location on Waalsekaai, between the Scheldt quays and Zuidpark, calls for a structure that stands out in both height and form, acting as a link between these key urban spaces. Additionally, high-rise construction allows for the optimal use of the limited space on the current Court of Appeal site. This makes it possible to create a more compact volume with more functions.
The new building will have a gross floor area of approximately 18,500 m²—twice the size of the current museum. Of this, around 7,300 m² will be dedicated to exhibition spaces, 200 m² to research functions, 5,800 m² to social-event functions, and 5,200 m² to supporting functions. The building will reach a maximum height of 80 metres, aligning with the provisions set out in the preliminary draft of the SIP. The final SIP is expected in November 2025.
The Flemish government has allocated a project budget of €130 million for the realisation of this museum project. This budget covers the preliminary studies, design, and construction of the new building. The estimated base construction cost is €75 million, with additional provisions for indexation and unforeseen expenses. The total project budget also includes the development of the second location for research activities. However, this aspect falls outside the scope of the selected design team’s assignment.
Design development and construction process leading to realisation
In spring 2025, the pre-construction team phase is set to commence, in which the client will collaborate closely with the selected design team to refine the project requirements and final design. This phase involves further detailing of the project scope and developing a comprehensive design that aligns with the specified goals and criteria. During this phase, the technical specifications and construction schedule will be further developed. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for the next phase, in which the contractor will be involved to provide input on construction techniques, execution, and cost estimation.
In 2026, the planning permission will be submitted, and the contractor will join the Construction Team for the subsequent study phases. Construction of the new museum will commence once all study and design phases are completed. An exact opening date has yet to be determined.
The new museum will become a defining landmark in Antwerp’s cityscape, showcasing contemporary art through a sustainable and innovative approach. As a new meeting place for a diversity of people, communities and artistic worlds, it will serve as a key cultural catalyst for Flanders, further elevating the museum’s presence on the international stage.
The project was developed in collaboration with Atmos Lab, NEY & Partners, Robin Winogrond, Waldhauser + Hermann, Arcade Engineering, Jensen Hughes, Arcade Engineering, Jaspers-Eyers, M-gineers, beersnielsen.
Bovenbouw Architectuur and Christ & Gantenbein were selected by the client, following the assessment committee’s recommendation, from a shortlist of six design teams. The design team distinguished itself from the other candidates through its concept and vision development, which it demonstrated with a conceptual design and an accompanying vision statement. These illustrated and described how their approach adds value to the urban context and broader social framework, enhances spatial and architectural quality, and prioritises sustainable and circular construction. The preliminary design and vision statement by Bovenbouw Architectuur and Christ & Gantenbein translates this concept into a tower volume with a stepped arrangement of distinct yet clearly recognisable parts. Like other iconic towers in the city, this layered structure fosters interconnectivity and complexity. The proposal seeks to unite both inward-facing and outward-facing spaces, stacking distinct volumes that rise from the city while revealing their respective functions, shaping the museum’s unique form. The tower volume is rooted in the provisions of the SIP, which support the choice for high-rise on this site for several reasons. First, the city aims to create an iconic building that strengthens the cultural core of Het Zuid district and serves as a landmark in the cityscape. Its location on Waalsekaai, between the Scheldt quays and Zuidpark, calls for a structure that stands out in both height and form, acting as a link between these key urban spaces. Additionally, high-rise construction allows for the optimal use of the limited space on the current Court of Appeal site. This makes it possible to create a more compact volume with more functions.
The new building will have a gross floor area of approximately 18,500 m²—twice the size of the current museum. Of this, around 7,300 m² will be dedicated to exhibition spaces, 200 m² to research functions, 5,800 m² to social-event functions, and 5,200 m² to supporting functions. The building will reach a maximum height of 80 metres, aligning with the provisions set out in the preliminary draft of the SIP. The final SIP is expected in November 2025.
The Flemish government has allocated a project budget of €130 million for the realisation of this museum project. This budget covers the preliminary studies, design, and construction of the new building. The estimated base construction cost is €75 million, with additional provisions for indexation and unforeseen expenses. The total project budget also includes the development of the second location for research activities. However, this aspect falls outside the scope of the selected design team’s assignment.
Design development and construction process leading to realisation
In spring 2025, the pre-construction team phase is set to commence, in which the client will collaborate closely with the selected design team to refine the project requirements and final design. This phase involves further detailing of the project scope and developing a comprehensive design that aligns with the specified goals and criteria. During this phase, the technical specifications and construction schedule will be further developed. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for the next phase, in which the contractor will be involved to provide input on construction techniques, execution, and cost estimation.
In 2026, the planning permission will be submitted, and the contractor will join the Construction Team for the subsequent study phases. Construction of the new museum will commence once all study and design phases are completed. An exact opening date has yet to be determined.
Source: Christ & Gantenbein & Bovenbouw Architectuur
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