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south facade left, rear facade, cross section (1925)

view of the church made at the level of the organ (c. 1926)

facade (1925)

war damage to the choir (1944), Frans Lauwers private archive

war damage interior (1944), Frans Lauwers private archive

facade design (1912)

laying of the foundation stone (1912)

converted 1945 sacristy (now bar) in 2002 ©ThOC

bar, current state

reception desk made by Rotor (2020) © Jeroen Verrecht

Kunsthal Extra City: A Historic Home for Contemporary Art

Kunsthal Extra City is located in a former Dominican complex, an architectural gem in the heart of Antwerp. The monastery church on Provinciestraat, completed in 1925 and designed by architect Frans Mertens, is one of the highlights of the site. This church blends late neo-Gothic elements, such as Gothic tracery and tall, slender columns, with an abundance of light streaming through its large windows. After suffering severe war damage in 1944, the church was rebuilt, featuring stained-glass windows by Abram Stokhof de Jong that harmoniously combine historical and modern elements. Today, the serene monastery church serves as the perfect setting for exhibitions and cultural activities, breathing new life into its original purpose of fostering reflection and connection.

The adjacent monastery on Ploegstraat was designed in 1914 by architect Louis Cortouts. Unlike traditional monastic architecture, the building features an irregular floor plan and austere industrial facades, reflecting the Dominican ideology of enhancing spiritual practice in harmony with an urban environment. Its interior exudes simplicity and clarity, characteristic of the transition from Art Nouveau to New Objectivity. The monastery was divided into a public access wing and a private section around a tranquil inner garden, which still offers a peaceful oasis today.

In 1957, a richly decorated bourgeois house was added to the complex. Once the headquarters of the iconic De Beukelaer biscuit factory, this building showcases influences of Art Nouveau and early Art Deco, with stunning original features like ornate fireplaces and tiled floors. These elements are now preserved by our neighbor and partner, MORPHO, a non-profit organization dedicated to artistic development and residency studios.
After the departure of the Dominican friars in 2002, the complex was repurposed for various temporary uses. The neighborhood (including De Ploeg, Kievitsnest...) played an important role in the preservation of monastery and church. Today, Kunsthal Extra City breathes new life into this unique historical site, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub where art and history converge.

In 2020, Kunsthal Extra City relocated to the former monastery church and commissioned the cooperative design practice Rotor to adapt the building for exhibitions. Their practical approach left the religious architecture largely intact, preserving its historical essence.

For more information visit https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/7477
In 2011, Steven Van den Borne conducted an extensive and fascinating architectural study of the site, commissioned by VZW Welzijnszorg Provincie Antwerpen.