Inside Wannes' Study

Wannes Van de Velde’s study

We have set up Wannes Van de Velde’s study in our temporary offices at 9 Gildekamersstraat in Antwerp. You can look inside through the window facing the street. Alongside musical instruments, you’ll see his books, rod puppets, photographs, drawings and paintings. But also sheet music and song lyrics in his own handwriting. Neatly arranged as if Wannes might walk into his study at any moment.

© Bart Huysmans

Through his music and lyrics, the singer, poet and visual artist Wannes Van de Velde (1937–2008) was the voice and conscience of Antwerp and its people. From 1978 onwards, Wannes wrote that music and those lyrics mainly in his study – his ‘writing den’, as he himself called it – in his home at 34 Antoon Van Dijckstraat, near Antwerp’s City Park.

"Ik wil deze nacht in de straten verdwalen, de klank van de stad maakt mijn ziel amoureus."

© Frederik Beyens

Take a look inside

Since 2019, Wannes’s study has found a new home at the Vleeshuis Music Museum. In total, there are nearly 1,500 objects that inspired Wannes or reflect his creativity. 

Due to the restoration of the monument, we have set up his studio in a space within our temporary offices: 

  • Gildekamersstraat 9, 2000 Antwerp
  • Next to Antwerp Town Hall

You can take a look inside here.

 

Wannes' Study

Unfortunately, a physical visit is not possible. However, there are two good alternatives that will allow you to find out more about some of the items in his study.

Story
Schrijfkot Wannes Van de Velde

Wannes Van de Velde's writing den

Google Arts & Culture

Meet singer, composer, author and visual artist Wannes Van de Velde (1937-2008) and step into his studio, which is part of the museum.

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Virtual tour

Vleeshuis Music Museum behind the scenes

The museum is temporarily closed for restoration. But, don't worry, you can still visit us with this virtual tour.

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Listen to Wannes

Podcast

'Wannes'

Podcast in collaboration with Radio 1

'Café Breughel', 'De Brug van Willebroek', 'Ik wil deze nacht in de straten verdwalen...' Wannes Van de Velde’s work is cut from the same cloth, sharp as a knife and instantly recognisable by its folksy rhythms and colourful language.

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Concert

'Simply Wannes'

Concert to mark Heritage Day 2021

You can watch and listen to the 'Simply Wannes' concert, which was put together exclusively for the Vleeshuis Music Museum to mark Heritage Day 2021, here.

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Music

The sound of... Wannes Van de Velde

In 2019, Wannes Van de Velde’s studio was given a place in the museum. Listen here on Spotify to songs by Wannes and by artists who were inspired by him.

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Wannes Van de Velde’s study was brought to the Vleeshuis Music Museum thanks to the non-profit organisation Erfgoed Wannes Van de Velde.

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