A New Cultural Chapter for Sterckshof Castle
Neutelings Riedijk Architects and Steenmeijer architecten to restore and transform historic landmark in Deurne, Antwerp into a vibrant museum for pop art and experience
After years of vacancy, the historic Sterckshof Castle in Deurne will soon open a new chapter. Neutelings Riedijk Architects together with restoration specialists Steenmeijer architecten, are developing a design that brings new life to this remarkable heritage site in the Rivierenhof park. The project combines the careful restoration of the castle with a contemporary museum and cultural destination focused on pop art, education, and community experience.
The design aims to restore the castle’s historic grandeur while opening it to a broad public once more. The renewed Sterckshof will offer exhibitions from an impressive pop art collection featuring international icons such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, as well as space for temporary shows, artist residencies, and cultural events. In this way, the castle becomes both a museum and a meeting place—where heritage, art, and everyday life come together.
Because the existing building is not suited to a fully equipped museum, the design introduces a refined, sunken extension that discreetly integrates new functions into the landscape. This subtle intervention preserves the silhouette and spatial character of the castle while unlocking its potential for contemporary use. Past and future merge seamlessly, creating a dialogue between the historic architecture and a new layer of public experience.
We have deliberately opted for a refined and subtle intervention to show the heritage and the existing Sterckshof to its best advantage, Carl Meeusen – Neutelings Riedijk Architects
We want to make Sterckshof a place where art lovers and local residents alike enjoy coming – to enjoy art and the surroundings or simply to have a drink or celebrate something. It is a piece of heritage that we want to revive with great respect. – Matthijs van Kranenburg on behalf of the initiators.
In addition to exhibition spaces, the renewed Sterckshof will include a restaurant-café and guest accommodation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of art and heritage. The surrounding gardens will remain publicly accessible, ensuring that Sterckshof continues to serve as a familiar and welcoming place for the people of Deurne, Antwerp.
With this project, Sterckshof will once again become a vibrant cultural landmark—a place where history, architecture and art meet the life of the city.
We look forward to the next steps in this inspiring project.
Client: Sterckshof Antwerpen NV
Team: Neutelings Riedijk Architects, Steenmeijer architecten, NEY + Partners, HP Engineers, Daidalos Peutz, Jensen Hughes, Lola Landscape architects
Learn more on Sterckshof at nieuwsterckshof.be