KMSKA

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is a monument among Belgian art museums. Seven centuries of art come together under this one Antwerp roof, from the Flemish Primitives to the Expressionists. Due to the gravity of its collection, the KMSKA gained international fame and became an indispensable visiting destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.

Moreover, the KMSKA is the only museum in Flanders to have scientific status. This means that the museum not only takes care of the preservation and management of its collection, but also functions as a research center. Scientific research is conducted into techniques used, use of color and visual language, among other things. As a knowledge center, the KMSKA dares to question established views within art.

The new insights and interpretations thus created find their way to the public through exhibitions, among other things. In doing so, the museum acts in accordance with the statutes of ICOM (International Council of Museums).

As an art house where many colors are represented, Pink Ribbon 's pink enjoys a special place at the heart of the museum. KMSKA has been collaborating with Pink Ribbon since 2021.  

KMSKA staff members are among the most loyal participants of The Pink Walk and have walked with us in the past eight editions. In a museum building that houses 111 masterpieces, has its own restoration studio and is surrounded by a museum garden, you soon cover many steps every day. The company's scoreboard is eagerly watched with each participation. The employees themselves testify that there is a healthy competitive atmosphere, but that it also brings employees closer together: "The Pink Walk creates a bond. Together we go for a common goal."

In 2024, the KMSKA and Pink Ribbon joined forces. The first nocturne to benefit Pink Ribbon became a reality. In addition, as part of the Pink Illuminations, the KMSKA undertook to adorn the museum façade in pink light to draw attention to breast cancer and to show a sign of support for the patients affected and those around them. On September 30, 2024, interested Pink Ribbon were treated to a wonderful evening where, as a first, they got to admire the top exhibition of the Ensor year, 'Ensor's wildest dreams. Beyond Impressionism' were allowed to admire. A successful evening that cries out for a repeat. The KMSKA and Pink Ribbon are currently busy working on a new edition.  

"We all know someone who has or had breast cancer. So when the question came up to decorate our building in pink, we didn't hesitate for a second. The disease affects so many people. To generate extra attention we are therefore happy to do our bit." - Carmen Willems, general director of KMSKA.

The Antwerp Temple of Fine Arts and Pink Ribbon have more in common than you might suspect at first glance. Indeed, art can play a special role in raising awareness about breast cancer. Normalizing the presence of breasts in art (and beyond) is a spearhead of the awareness and early detection component that Pink Ribbon has been working on for decades.For example, the bare breast of the Virgin Mary is one of the favored subjects of the classical masters, many of which are represented at KMSKA.

But the connection between the KMSKA and Pink Ribbon does not end there. In January 2025, the KMSKA decided to increase their commitment by also participating in Pink Monday . Staff wore pink attire and the iconic Pink Ribbon, and in the museum's reception area, visitors were urged to participate in the Mammo Quiz. A sealing of a growing partnership that hopefully has many more clean projects in store.