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20 years 'Flemish Masterpieces Decree'

What is valuable must be protected. That is the logic of the Flemish Masterpieces Decree. Since the creation of this decree in 2003, just about 1,000 objects and collections have been recognised and protected as masterpieces. Through decree, the government also strengthens public collections by acquiring important masterpieces.

Loans

We are happy to lend the collection to make it known to a wider audience, to encourage new research on the collection and to foster the connection with the heritage community.

Research and restauration

The Averbode altarpiece

In 1873, the Antwerp Museum of Antiquities purchased a 16th-century retable of the Averbode Abbey, depicting the Lamentation of Christ. 150 years later, it is given on long-term loan to the abbey and thus returns home.

MAS loans Robert Mols

CEPA-expo

The expo featured loans from the Royal Yacht Club of Belgium and private collectors. A detailed Antwerp roadsted view and ship models attributed to Robert Mols, were the eye-catchers from the MAS collection.

The MAS lends its collection

We are happy to lend our collection to make it known to a wider audience, to encourage new research on the collection and to foster the connection with the heritage community.

Objects on the move

Many museums in Belgium and abroad are eager to borrow works from the MAS. You may come across pieces from the MAS collection at exhibitions all over the world.

Tile panel

The tile panel 'The Conversion of Saul' is one of the most important pieces of the MAS I Vleeshuis collection, the collection of applied arts and history from the city of Antwerp.

Provenance of the Congo collection

The MAS preserves culturally and historically sensitive Congolese heritage. In what circumstances did this collection of approximately 3,800 cultural objects come into being? A two-year research project will map this out more clearly.