Opening Museum Mevrouw Jules Dhondt-Dhaenens

On November 30, 1968, the museum had its grand opening, showcasing a modernist design by architect Erik Van Biervliet.

Walter Van Beselaere, then curator of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, gave some advice to the large crowd gathered for the occasion: “Come back to this museum, alone, during the day, and preferably when it's sunny. That's when you'll truly appreciate each painting, as they come to life under the natural daylight, surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere and with a view of the beautiful Leie landscape. From inside, you can enjoy it all through the vertical slit windows, reaching up to the sky, which seems to stretch like a blessing over this wonderful gift.”