Sterckshof

Sterckshof is in Deurne, a district of Antwerp, and is an impressive example of the region's historic architecture. The history of the estate goes back to the 13th century, when a fortified farmhouse with a moat stood on this spot, probably built to defend a nearby bridge. In 1523, the merchant and banker Gerard Sterck bought the property and had it expanded into a stately manor with towers and battlements, which still bears his name today. Although the building was spared during the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, it fell into increasing disrepair after the death of the last heir in the 17th century. By the 1880s, only ruins remained of the once magnificent buildings, and they were eventually acquired by the Province of Antwerp to create today's Rivierenhof Park.

The castle's present appearance dates back to an extensive reconstruction in the 1920s and 1930s. The architect JA Van der Gucht designed the rebuilding, which drew on old depictions and archaeological finds. The result is a red-brick building with characteristic towers and courtyards, surrounded by formal gardens and a moat. The complex gives you a vivid impression of the architecture of wealthy families in the 16th century. After various plans for its use, including a museum of Flemish civilization, the building was opened to the public in 1938.

From 1994 to 2014, Sterckshof housed the Silver Museum of the Province of Antwerp. Visitors could see Belgian silver and pewter work from the 16th to the 21st century, as well as antique furniture. The exhibition explored both the craft techniques of metalworking and the religious and domestic uses of the objects. Because building restrictions made it impossible to expand the site, the museum was closed in 2014 and merged with the Antwerp Diamond Museum to form the DIVA Museum. Since then, the province has been looking for a new buyer for the protected landmark property, which, despite renovation subsidies, had still not been sold as of 2019.