Antwerp’s largest and most impressive fine art collection is exhibited in the Museum voor Schone Kunsten, which occupies a massive late nineteenth century Neo-Classical building almost 2 kilometres to the south of the Grote Markt. The permanent collection contains both ancient and modern works. The earlier collection on the upper floor begins with medieval Flemish painting and continues through the seventeenth century, with the Antwerp Trio of Rubens, van Dyck and Jordaens well represented. At ground level, modern exhibits include the work of Belgian artist such as Rene Magritte, James Ensor and Paul Delvaux, as well as an important collection of work by Rik Wouters, a Fauvist influenced by Matisse. Tissot and van Gogh are among the foreign artists on show.

Building began on this imposing structure in 1884. The Neo-Classical façade with its vast pillars has carved women charioteers atop each side. It was opened in 1890. The gallery is divided into two floors. Flemish Old Masters are housed on the first floor of the museum, and the ground floor focuses on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Each room is lettered and visitors may view exhibits chronologically, starting with the de Keyser series in the entrance hall.