KMSKA x Kolmont: impact across generations
“The KMSKA’s exhibitions are never boring: time and time again, I discover refreshing connections between artists. That’s why returning to the museum remains fascinating,” says Bart Tans, founder of family-owned property developer Kolmont. It is one of the reasons why the company has chosen to continue its long-term partnership with the museum in the years ahead.
Relevant for all time
Kolmont develops residential neighbourhoods, inner-city projects and business parks, while also investing in real estate. Although the company’s roots lie in Limburg, it is now active throughout Flanders. “As a family business, entrepreneurship is deeply embedded in our DNA,” explains Bart Tans. “It is one of our core values, and I recognise that same entrepreneurial spirit in the way the KMSKA operates. One might expect a public museum to be somewhat traditional or formal, but that is certainly not the case here. The museum succeeds in making art accessible to everyone, whether they are Antwerp residents, tourists or young visitors, while at the same time presenting a world-class collection in a world-class building.”
Tans has always felt a strong affinity with art and, given his profession, naturally with architecture as well. “I see clear parallels between art and architecture. As property developers, we think in the very long term. We create neighbourhoods that will remain for a century or more, so we are very aware of the impact our work has across generations. The artworks in the museum, from the Old Masters to the Expressionists, possess that same timeless relevance.”
Trust from the very beginning
Tans has had confidence in the KMSKA team from the outset, even before the museum reopened its doors. “We have been a partner since the very beginning. During the extensive renovation works, director Carmen Willems invited me for a tour of the building. At that time, it was still very much a construction site, but the ambition was already unmistakable. On the one hand, there was the historic nineteenth-century museum with its magnificent collection of classical masterpieces; on the other, the new spaces dedicated to modern and contemporary art. That innovative vision of what a museum can be immediately appealed to me. At the same time, Kolmont was expanding its activities in Antwerp, making a long-term partnership a logical next step.”
Striving for refinement
Looking back, Tans considers the first years of the partnership a clear success. “It has never been a collaboration that exists only on paper. Over the years, we have seen the KMSKA team continuously take initiative. They could easily rely on their extraordinary permanent collection, yet they consistently look for new perspectives and create surprising connections between historical works and contemporary art. Together with Club Fouquet, that makes the partnership particularly valuable.”
According to Tans, Club Fouquet perfectly reflects the quality and refinement that characterise the museum. “The evenings are fascinating, both from a culinary and an artistic perspective. Everything the museum organises is executed with great attention to detail. That pursuit of quality and refinement is something we also strive for at Kolmont. At the same time, Club Fouquet connects our company organically with Antwerp’s social and cultural scene, thanks to the many inspiring encounters it facilitates.”
Colleagues at Kolmont have also become increasingly involved with the museum. “For a company-wide brainstorming session, we were given exclusive use of the library. It allowed us to reflect on recent developments and discuss our future plans in an environment entirely different from our own offices. In the coming years, we would also like to organise events for external stakeholders at the museum.”
Temporary exhibitions
Tans is particularly enthusiastic about the temporary exhibitions at the KMSKA. “They never stop surprising me because artists are brought together in such innovative ways. That continually offers visitors new perspectives and makes every return visit worthwhile.” When asked to name a favourite artwork, however, he finds the choice far from easy. “With masterpieces by Magritte, Ensor, Rik Wouters and the Old Masters all under one roof, choosing a favourite is almost impossible. That is why I would rather highlight something that illustrates the museum’s contemporary spirit.” He points to the exhibition In Full Bloom, where a work by contemporary artist Anish Kapoor was presented alongside an ephemeral floral installation by floral artist Nele Ost. “I found that combination exemplary of the museum’s freshness and openness. You have this highly abstract artwork by Kapoor alongside flowers that complete their life cycle within a week. I love the fact that a classical museum creates space for encounters and contrasts like that.” Tans also notes that Kapoor’s work extends beyond the museum world and into the public realm.
“Kapoor is also the creator of the famous sculpture The Bean in Chicago. It is an iconic artwork that has become an integral part of the city and demonstrates beautifully how art can shape public space. For me, that is yet another compelling connection between art and project development.”
The KMSKA itself embraces that same idea of bringing art into the public realm. The exhibition by British sculptor Antony Gormley, for example, extends beyond the museum galleries. Visitors are already welcomed by one of his sculptures on the square in front of the museum, offering an encounter with art even before they step inside.
