Think of your visit as a double journey: inside the gallery, you encounter objects once part of modernist interiors; outside, you discover the architecture and environments that gave them context. This page brings together key references to explore modernist architecture, public art and architectural walks in Turnhout.

Art in public space

Turnhout features a number of significant public artworks integrated into its urban fabric. Sculptures by artists such as Rik Poot, Paul Gees and Luk Van Soom are situated across squares, parks and residential areas, contributing to the city's character as an open-air environment where art and architecture coexist.

Turnhoutse School

Turnhout is home to a remarkable concentration of Belgian post-war modernist architecture, often referred to as the Turnhoutse School. This architectural movement developed strongly in the 1960s and includes works by architects such as Paul Neefs, Paul Schellekens and Lou Jansen. The Turnhoutse School is considered one of the most distinctive examples of modernist architecture in Flanders, characterised by clarity of structure, material expression and integration within the urban environment. 

For further insight, the series De Modernisten features an episode dedicated to Paul Neefs, you can watch the episode below.

Architectural walks in Turnhout

Turnhout offers several architectural walking routes that allow you to explore its modernist buildings in context. These routes are developed by AR-TUR and Erfgoed Noorderkempen and guide you through residential neighbourhoods, hidden façades and lesser-known buildings. The route Quiet Places in the City focuses on more contemplative locations, highlighting the relationship between architecture, landscape and everyday life.

→  Modernist Turnhout in 10.000 steps

For a broader perspective on Belgian modernism, Toerist Modernist offers a curated overview of modernist architecture across Belgium, including a dedicated architectural walk in Turnhout.

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