Museum De Reede: A Haven for Graphic Arts

Museum De Reede, established in 2017 by art collector Harry Rutten, is a distinctive museum in Antwerp dedicated to graphic art. Situated on Ernest Van Dijckkaai, in the historic center, the museum's location has historical significance, once housing offices of shipping companies involved in inland navigation. The name 'De Reede' (meaning 'The Roads' or 'The Anchorage') reflects this history.The museum's collection primarily features graphic works, including lithographs, engravings, etchings, woodcuts, drawings, and watercolors, spanning from the 17th to the 21st centuries. The core of the collection comprises works by Francisco Goya, Félicien Rops, and Edvard Munch, showcasing their critical observations of society and the human condition. Highlights include Goya's 'Los Disparates' etching series, Munch's lithographs (including a rare print of 'The Scream'), and Rops' provocative works.The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, creating a dialogue between historical and contemporary art. These exhibitions feature both monographic and thematic displays, engaging with current societal and cultural themes. Museum De Reede aims to make influential works permanently accessible to the public, enriching visitors' experiences by connecting the past with the present.