Monday, September 21, 2026

On Sunday 20 September, the doors of our site on De Vrièrestraat opened to the public for ZuiderZinnen, bringing literature, culture and conversation into this remarkable Antwerp setting.

Throughout the day, visitors found their way to the Raamtheater and the former school auditorium, where they could attend a varied programme of readings, screenings and live encounters. The event offered a wonderful opportunity to experience these characterful spaces in a completely different way: lively, welcoming and filled with new voices and ideas.

For WAVE, ZuiderZinnen is a beautiful example of how distinctive buildings can once again become places of connection and cultural exchange. We are grateful to the entire ZuiderZinnen team for the excellent organisation and for bringing the site to life.

We look forward to welcoming them back next year.

Monday, September 14, 2026

Last Saturday, Antwerp welcomed the second edition of the A.S.Adventure Antwerp 60, a walking challenge taking participants on a journey through the city's green spaces and urban hotspots. With routes of 20, 42 and 60 kilometres, the event invited walkers to discover Antwerp from a different perspective.

Hardenvoort 5 joined the occasion, serving as a refreshment stop where participants could take a well-deserved break before continuing their journey.

The building is currently leased to VENUE-GALLERY, which is preparing to launch its new concept, MA'DAM.

The event offered a first glimpse of the energy this location can bring to the neighbourhood.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

The names of the speakers taking part in ZuiderZinnen on Sunday, 20 September have officially been announced.

This year, we are delighted to welcome 24 speakers to two exceptional venues: our beautiful historic auditorium and the Raamtheater. The line-up includes renowned names such as Axel Daeseleire, Dirk Draulans, Joke van Leeuwen, Saskia De Coster, Ish Ait Hamou and Jeroen Olyslaegers.

The programme will be hosted by Flemish actor Gregory Van Damme and actress and singer Els Meulemans.

We look forward to opening our doors for a day filled with fascinating stories, inspiring encounters and new perspectives.

Friday, August 14, 2026

As part of Antwerp’s Mother’s Day celebrations, the local shopkeepers’ association brought a colourful new addition to the Oudaan square. One of its trees was transformed into a striking floral installation created by renowned Belgian creative director and advertising pioneer Philippe Blondé.

Known for his bold and imaginative use of public space, Blondé designed an eye-catching artwork celebrating mothers while also drawing attention to the local businesses that bring energy and character to the neighbourhood.

For WAVE, initiatives like this illustrate the potential of the Oudaan square: not only as the setting for an architectural landmark, but as a place where creativity, local entrepreneurship and city life can come together.

Friday, August 7, 2026

Belgian artist Francis Leenaerts presents Built Not Certified, an immersive exhibition at Brewery De Baer in Sint-Niklaas.

Through six experiential spaces—Silent Pressure, Emotional Echoes, Evolving Identity, Imperfect Script, Stable Roots and Human Connection—Leenaerts explores the invisible forces that shape who we become. Combining visual art, music and immersive installations, the exhibition challenges the idea that success is defined by diplomas or titles, inviting visitors to reflect on identity, growth and human connection instead.

The exhibition opens with a vernissage on Friday 11 September and will be open until 27 September, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 22:00.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

From 1 to 10 November 2026, WAVE will proudly take part in Project FOCUS, the internationally acclaimed art and charity initiative by Belgian conceptual artist Wim Tellier.

Set against the breathtaking turquoise waters of Madagascar, participants from around the world will help create a monumental artwork while supporting Project C Water, an initiative that provides clean drinking water to local communities.

By joining Project FOCUS, WAVE reinforces its commitment to projects where creativity, heritage and social impact come together. We look forward to contributing to this unique collaboration and sharing the journey from Madagascar.

Monday, July 27, 2026

The Antwerp Urban Trail returns on Sunday, November 15, inviting thousands of runners to discover the city from a different perspective. Instead of following Antwerp's streets, participants run through some of its most remarkable landmarks, uncovering hidden architectural gems along the way.

WAVE is proud to open the doors of the iconic Raamtheater during the event, welcoming runners into this extraordinary building. By making this historic space accessible to the public, we celebrate its heritage while showing how architecture continues to inspire, connect and surprise.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, ZuiderZinnen, Antwerp's Festival of the Word, returns to the city's South for a vibrant celebration of literature, poetry, storytelling and performance.

Across a range of unique venues surrounding the KMSKA, writers, poets, actors and artists will present a series of short performances, inviting visitors to discover a remarkable diversity of voices throughout the day.

WAVE is proud to open the doors of the iconic Raamtheater as one of the festival venues. By welcoming ZuiderZinnen into this historic building, we continue our mission of giving characterful places a new purpose; where heritage, culture and people come together.

Friday, June 19, 2026

WAVE is proud to have supported Ercoland, the citizen-led initiative created to safeguard affordable space for art and creativity in the heart of Antwerp.

More than 2,000 citizens and organisations joined forces, raising over €2 million to acquire the historic artists’ house in the Wolstraat. The site will continue to provide studios for artists, alongside spaces for exhibitions, residencies, events and community encounters.

Our financial contribution formed a small part of this remarkable collective effort to keep creativity rooted in the city. Because some spaces are worth more than their square metres.

Friday, June 10, 2025

The graduating bachelor students of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp's renowned Fashion Department transformed the former Handelsschool and Warenhuis, today best known as the Raamtheater, into the setting for their annual graduation jury and exhibition.

Calling themselves The Antwerp 26, a playful nod to the legendary Antwerp Six, this new generation of fashion talent presented their final collections to an international audience of industry professionals, press and a distinguished jury.

Throughout the historic building, visitors experienced a diverse range of collections, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation for which Antwerp's fashion scene is internationally renowned.

Monday, May 22, 2026

Last Saturday, the Nadjmi Foundation proved once again that hope knows no borders. The highly successful fundraising event in Antwerp brought together partners, supporters and philanthropists who share a common goal: making life-changing reconstructive surgery accessible to those who need it most.

As part of a continued commitment to the foundation, WAVE also purchased one of the evening's auction items, a unique VIP experience at Kamping Kitsch, for €26,000. The full amount will support the Nadjmi Foundation's surgical missions and ongoing care programmes in Iran, helping children and young adults regain not only their health, but also their confidence and future opportunities.