From August 1st until October 29th 2023

Rubens Castle, Zemst
Domain and castle are free to visit!

Stories Unfold header

Summer’s finest, for everyone to enjoy: we’re doing this together.

Thanks to Stories Unfold, you will find an exceptionally diverse offer of activities in one location: the Rubens Castle. The domain where Peter Paul Rubens lived between 1635 and 1640 will even be provided with a temporary pavilion – a stunning piece of circular architecture with a cozy bar and stage.

The program of Stories Unfold is subject to last-minute changes. Make sure to check the website for the latest updates and adjustments.

To discover this and next week

Discover our programme
isbells
Watching & Listening
Watching & Listening
28/10/2023

Isbells + Eistear

In September, Isbells released their brand new album "Basegemiti". Discover their new music in our intimate Pavilion!
banner

Rubensfest

On 29 October, you can fully enjoy, dance, experience and taste at the Rubens Festival!
glas lood
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
25/10/2023

Workshop in stained glass

We will work together to create your own glass creation, while you learn the basics of cutting, grinding and soldering glass.
groenten_fermenteren
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
27/10/2023

Workshop vegetable fermentation

During this workshop you will transform all kinds of vegetables into delicious fermented masterpieces.
sans soucis
Watching & Listening
Watching & Listening
28/10/2023

Sans Soucis - Classical in the castle

In Rubens' time, composers such as Michael Praetorius, Jacopo Peri, Biagio Marini and Giacomo Gastoldi flourished.
rubensbuffet
Eat, Drink, Overnight
Eat, Drink, Overnight
29/10/2023

Rubens buffet

Madame Silhouette captivates visitors with her charming appearance as she cuts beautiful silhouettes from paper.
maanvallei
Watching & Listening
Watching & Listening
29/10/2023

Lecture and workshop: De Maanvallei

In De Maanvallei, children go on an extraordinary adventure: a journey where the power of imagination is central and magical creatures come to life.
troubadours
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

The Troubadours of Aliénor

Aliénor's Troubadours bring an unforgettable show in 17th-century style, for young and old alike.
kindergrime
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

Children's grime

Take a seat in the chair of our children's grime and have your son or daughter transformed into a prince, princess, knight or other baroque figure.
rubens
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

What if Rubens were alive today?

In "What if Rubens were alive today?", we take the audience on a unique journey through time.
daisycrookeds
Watching & Listening
Watching & Listening
29/10/2023

The Daisy Crookeds

The Daisy Crookeds is more than an everyday string band; the three-piece close harmony band performs a colourful mix of traditional songs and evergreens.
vuurshow
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

Fireshow Sage

During this unique performance, you will be drawn into a ritual of hynotising dance, flames and smoke.
karikaturist
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

Caricature artist Jan op de Beeck

Have your portrait immortalised live by Jan op de Beeck. With a healthy dose of humour and a smooth chat, he creates fun caricature portraits.
speelveld
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

Playground

On the playing field, you will travel back in time during reconstructions by various reenactor organisations.
Barokhaartooi2
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

Workshop: Baroque hairstyle from paper

From paper, craft an extravagant baroque wig, inspired by the striking hairstyles of 17th-century court ladies. Immortalise your new cut in the photobooth.
barok_photobooth
Doing & Visiting
Doing & Visiting
29/10/2023

Barok photobooth

In our photobooth, you will have your picture taken as a true resident of Het Steen: imagine yourself as Rubens and his wife Helena in a Baroque setting.
Brunch
Every Sunday, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm

Neighbourhood brunch

It's give and take at our Neighbourhood brunch.

An extraordinary collection of castles

Stories Unfold is a new revaluation festival that takes place on a Flemish estate every two years, bringing the rich stories of Flemish castles and gardens to life. It takes you closer to the soul of these unique places, to nature and to each other. It shows you the role our iconic landmarks can play in the future.

Curious to see how this story unfolds? Stay tuned via our newsletter.

More info
Rubenskasteel

 

 

Bar 1635: a summer of local delicacies, in the heart of our pavilion.

Small 'goestinske' or big appetite? At Bar 1635, we have something for everyone. Our menu offers mostly delicious vegetarian options, occasionally supplemented by vegan dishes, and weekly suggestions for sustainable meat meals. We strive to use local, seasonal and fair trade products.

By the way, did you know that the bar's name was inspired by Rubens himself? He bought the castle in Elewijt in 1635 and stayed there during the summer months with his wife and children.

 

Discover our menu
Persoon die bediend wordt door bar 1635.

 

 

Experience a summer of wonder, connection, imagination and inspiration with Stories Unfold.

Have you always wanted to camp at a castle? With Stories Unfold you can do exactly that, and much more. We fill three summer months with music, workshops, art, theater, dance, a summer bar, crafts and nature explorations, ... Join us from August 1 onwards at the Rubens Castle for a wide range of experiences that are just as magical as the location.

 

Eat, Drink, Overnight
Watching & Listening
Doing & Visiting
Everything Rubens
Family & children
Discover our programme
paviljoen

The Pavilion

An architectural pavilion with space for catering and a stage, a place that connects between people, but also with nature.
Rubens Suite

Sleep over

If the Flemish Master Peter Paul Rubens were alive today, what would his bedroom look like?
bar

Bar 1635

We use only local, seasonal or fair-trade products whenever possible.

Address

Rubenskasteel
Steendreef 77
1982 Zemst
Belgium
View directions

Subscribe to the Stories Unfold newsletter