Kanaal, the foundation of Axel Vervoordt, in Wijnegem, Belgium

Along the embankments of Canal Albert, near Antwerp, this former industrial site has undergone a major change of destination. Rehabilitated by art dealer and collector Axel Vervoordt, the 19th century malthouse of the Heineken group has morphed into a temple dedicated to art, with the complicity of architects, trendy designers and artists from around the world, united to participate in this major project.

Axel Vervoordt implants his foundation in the Belgium town of Kanaal 

Sheltering at the same time his gallery and the treasures of his foundation, here one finds a venue mixing spaces dedicated to the presentation of his Greek, Roman and Egyptian antique collections, furniture pieces, Asian art, contemporary works, thematic exhibition rooms, artist workshops, but also upscale dwellings, offices, a restaurant and a bakery.

Admirably restored, the industrial building shelters deluxe apartments. © DR

Implemented and decorated by leading designers, the living room offers a view on the Meuse embankments. © DR

Art history condensed in an unusual place 

In addition to taking visitors on an art history tour, the Belgian entrepreneur, who has undertaken with success a real architectural challenge, combines works of many different eras, as well as references such as Anish Kapoor, James Turrell, Takis, Kimsooja, Marina Abramovic, Otto Piene, the Japanese avant-garde movement Gutaïsur and the group Zéro. This summer, Kanaal will be an essential lifestyle destination!

Furniture, paintings, sculptures, the visionary collector has turned certain platforms of Kanaal into a real showroom. © DR

Even though he already owns 16,000 antique pieces, Alex Vervoordt buys 200 art objects every month. © DR