Article M HKA
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The M HKA: Its Past and Future
The Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) is more than just an exhibition space; it is a living artwork, a meeting place for art, culture, and community, and a vital player in Antwerp’s urban identity. The building housing the museum carries a rich history intricately linked to the city and its inhabitants. While the museum explores new horizons for the future, the question of what to do with the current building remains a significant topic of debate. This essay delves into the past and future of the M HKA and advocates for preserving and repurposing the existing building, along with addressing the broader cultural implications of architectural heritage in Antwerp.
This essay is inspired by Unfinished Past, a text by VAI, which outlines nine theses on architecture and heritage.
A Brief Dive into History
The current M HKA building has a long history dating back to 1926 when the grain silo “La Nationale” was constructed. This original warehouse forms the core of the museum as we know it today. In 1982, the first expansion took place under architect Michel Grandsard, who added a modern extension to the old industrial structure. Ten years later, in 1992, Grandsard oversaw further expansion, giving the building its current size. Finally, in 2003, the entrance hall was redesigned by the renowned architectural duo Robbrecht and Daem, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. This redesign included a mural by Enrico David, adding an artistic dimension to the architectural renewal.
The museum has always been a symbol of Belgian culture and art, offering a platform for both local and international artists. Renowned figures like Gordon Matta-Clark, Panamarenko, and Keith Haring have exhibited their work here. M HKA is not just a museum but also an integral part of Antwerp’s urban fabric, with its characteristic geometric shapes and white facades defining the streetscape of the Zuid district. It exemplifies how Flemish architectural tradition dynamically weaves the old and new, the functional and the aesthetic.
The Collective Memory of Architecture
This concept is not new. Half a century ago, Italian architect Aldo Rossi (1931–1997) wrote in his book The Architecture of the City about the city as the collective memory of its inhabitants.
An essential concept influencing M HKA’s future is the idea of collective memory, referring to the shared memories societies attach to specific buildings and monuments. For example, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is a structural icon etched into the memory of millions worldwide. Such iconic structures transcend their material reality, becoming symbols of culture, history, and identity.
Antwerp has its own symbols as well. The Steen, the old castle by the Scheldt, is a prime example of a building deeply rooted in the city’s collective memory. Despite undergoing numerous changes over centuries, it remains a recognizable beacon for residents, a tangible reminder of the city’s past. The same applies to M HKA: it is more than just a museum building. Over the years, it has played an indispensable role in Antwerp’s cultural landscape, serving as a gathering point for generations of memories.
Renowned architect Bart Hollanders, whom I recently interviewed, aptly stated, “When we renovate, we never aim to disrupt the collective memory.” In other words, any modification to a building must ensure that it remains recognizable to the community, continuing to evoke shared memories and emotions. M HKA exemplifies this principle: its geometric shapes and distinctive white facades are ingrained in the streetscape of Waalsekaai. Each time I pass by, I recall the many impressive exhibitions I have attended there. The building—particularly the zenithal light in the circular space—adds an extra dimension to the art experience. Erasing such a collective memory, as embodied by M HKA, would be a significant loss.
The Future of M HKA
The question of M HKA’s future is both current and complex. Plans are underway to develop a new museum building to house the ever-growing collection in a modern and sustainable manner. A new building could also open up opportunities for displaying contemporary art with the latest technologies and presentation techniques, enhancing the visitor experience. The location and design of this new museum could boost Antwerp’s art scene and represent an important step forward on the international stage.
However, this immediately raises the question: what will happen to the old building? As previously mentioned, complete demolition would mean losing not just a structure with historical and cultural value but also the emotional connection many Antwerp residents have with it. M HKA represents a collective memory anchored in the city, and ignoring this would be a mistake.
Architectural heritage benefits from an inventive approach emphasizing future value. The building’s vast spaces, though not meeting modern museum standards, are ideal for other cultural uses. Its high ceilings and open circulation could serve creative or artistic purposes, such as rehearsal spaces for musicians, art academies, or even artists’ studios. Antwerp already has initiatives like Morpho, which rents out unused spaces to artists at low rates, enabling emerging talents to work in quality spaces and nurture their creativity. The old M HKA building could be a perfect venue for such projects.
Moreover, the concept of “grey energy” plays a crucial role in this discussion. The energy and resources invested in the building’s construction represent a value lost in demolition. Repurposing the structure is not only a culturally but also an environmentally responsible choice.
Conclusion
M HKA stands at a crossroads between past and future. A new building could elevate Belgium’s art scene on an international level and provide new possibilities for showcasing contemporary art. Simultaneously, neglecting or demolishing the existing structure would be a mistake. Advocating for repurposing that respects the cultural, emotional, and ecological value of the building ensures that M HKA continues to play a lasting role in Antwerp’s collective memory. It can become a new home for emerging talent, a space where creativity and culture thrive in an environment steeped in history and meaning.
[1] Onvoltooid verleden. (2017). https://www.vai.be/publicaties/vlugschrift-onvoltooid-verleden-negen-stellingen-over-architectuur-en-erfgoed
[2] M HKA bouwproject. (z.d.). Departement Cultuur, Jeugd & Media. https://www.vlaanderen.be/cjm/nl/cultuur-en-jeugdinfrastructuur/m-hka-bouwproject