Triple Living wants to fulfill its social role as a company by keeping art and culture alive and accessible

“The passion for art runs in the blood and has been passed down through the families who are shareholders of our company,” says CEO Jeff Cavens of real estate developer Triple Living. Immediately one of the many good reasons for a close and sustainable partnership with the KMSKA.

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

Jeff Cavens: “Our projects have a significant impact on the city and its urban fabric, so we also engage in things that people might not immediately associate with property development, such as culture and the arts, and supporting young entrepreneurs. It is important for us to contribute to building a city or a neighborhood with a sense of social responsibility. Not only to give back, but also to demonstrate that in what we do—urban development—there is room for everyone, and that we want to play a role for the entire community.

The passion for art runs in the blood and has been passed down through the two families who are shareholders of our company. We have our own gallery where we organize exhibitions and provide spaces for young artists. Here at Nieuw Zuid, we also host the successful ‘De Lettermarkt’ for book lovers. For us, this is a way to contribute to the city with more than just bricks. Culture is primarily funded by the government, but as a company, we also have a social role to fulfill. By promoting and supporting art and culture, they remain alive and accessible.”

Why did you choose KMSKA?

“The museum was founded in the 19th century during the development of the Zuid district, on the remains of the old citadel of the Duke of Alva. Today, we are building the adjacent Nieuw Zuid, a new neighborhood for the 21st century. The two are becoming increasingly integrated, and the museum plays an important role in that. As residents of this area, we want to be involved in a close and sustainable way. The KMSKA is a major asset for the neighborhood and for all of Antwerp; it is a magnet and driver for art, culture, galleries, tourism, and hospitality.

It also houses an impressive collection that spans a long period and can compete with the great European museums. And all of this is in a beautifully renovated building: the crown jewel for a city that has much to offer in terms of culture and museums.

We also find its approach to lowering barriers very important. I recently visited with my young children and noticed that the setting, the modern building, and, for example, the ‘De Tien’ route by Christophe Coppens, appealed to them greatly. The KMSKA is no longer a dull, old-fashioned place, as it was in my childhood.”

What is your favourite work from the collection?

“I love Peter Paul Rubens. To me, he is somewhat the quintessential Antwerpmer: versatile, an artist, an entrepreneur, and even a diplomat. When I first returned to the Rubens Room, I was once again overwhelmed by his The Adoration of the Magi. The majesty of his works, largely beautifully restored, in that magnificent setting, makes you feel momentarily transported to another time. Truly impressive.”

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

“The connection with the KMSKA itself. And that we can offer our clients and international guests the chance to experience the museum in a unique way and showcase everything Antwerp has to offer. For the Nieuw Zuid site, we work with top Belgian and international architects, including several Pritzker Architecture Prize winners. I dream of bringing all these people together at the same table for a dinner in the Rubens Room when the site is nearly finished.”