Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp believes it also has an educational role: providing people with new experiences, encouraging curiosity, and helping them to open their minds

Luxury hotel Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp places great importance on art and culture. A partnership with the KMSKA, described by their Director of Arts & Culture, Xavier Le Clef, as one of the most beautiful museums in Europe, was therefore a natural fit. In this interview, he explains why.

Why do you consider it important to engage in this kind of partnership?

Xavier Le Clef: “Botanic Sanctuary serves a segment of the “happy few,” but we want to be an open and inspiring space for everyone. Corporate social responsibility is very important to us. We are already thinking about Christmas 2023 and what we will do for the general public. Part of our property is on public land, and when we opened, that caused some discussion, but I want all of Antwerp to be able to come and enjoy the space, not just our hotel guests.

I also feel we have a bit of an educational role: offering people new experiences, showing that there is more than what they already know, encouraging curiosity, and opening their minds. Cultural enlightenment - can we still use that word? (laughs). Art and culture are essential in that regard. They can sometimes provide that extra spark you need.”

Why did you choose KMSKA?

“The KMSKA is one of the most beautiful museums in Europe. It is a unique place in Antwerp, and so is our hotel. Both of us place quality and experience at the highest level, and we want the same for our visitors: it has to be top-notch. So our alliance was written in the stars. For some time now, we have also been offering packages that include a hotel room plus an art experience. For this, we buy vouchers from the museum, and they sell like hotcakes.

We also value the combination of tradition and modernity. We are located in a 15th-century monastery, but the rooms are equipped with the latest gadgets, and our spa uses the newest devices and techniques. In the museum, you find old masters, but a Pierre Alechinsky fits in perfectly as well. That duality creates a dynamic. It engages people and keeps them alert.”

What is your favourite work from the collection?

“My preference goes to the modern masters. James Ensor holds a place of honor, but I was also delighted to see works by Berlinde De Bruyckere. Of course, there is also Peter Paul Rubens. His voluptuous and colorful portraits are a joy to behold. The power of a hand painted by him is simply astonishing. I also think of the grandeur of his 'The Adoration of the Magi': phenomenal! But I equally enjoy the pristine white corridor that runs from the fourth floor down to the ground level. An innovation and upgrade to be reckoned with, and truly a game-changer for the city of Antwerp.”

What is your company most looking forward to during this partnership?

“We want, even though we also have beautiful halls ourselves, to organize a few special events in the museum. Some of these are already partially planned. With our premium clients, we will soon do something in the Rubens Hall. And shortly, we are organizing a rally with vintage cars. That attracts an audience who also appreciates art, and we want to do something with that at the KMSKA as well.

Ultimately, we want to offer our clients something they can’t get elsewhere. That’s the difference between a five-star and a five-star superior experience. To give people a unique experience and inspire them: that’s what we do it for, and in today’s world, it is more important than ever. More focus on the human element, the cosmopolitan spirit, and tolerance. Cultural elevation, as I said earlier. (laughs)”