Art Museum Z33, known locally as Kunstencentrum Z33, is a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub nestled in the heart of Hasselt, Belgium. This unique institution seamlessly blends contemporary art, design, and architecture with pressing societal themes, creating a space where creativity and critical thought converge. Unlike traditional museums, Art Museum Z33 does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it thrives on a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions, each one a fresh exploration of the intersections between art and societal developments.
The name Z33 is derived from the museum’s original address at Zuivelmarkt 33, the gatehouse of the Begijnhof in Hasselt, which has been under provincial ownership with a cultural function since 1938. Initially, from 1946 to 1979, the building housed the Limburg provincial library, and since 1959, it has also served as an exhibition space. Over the years, the site has been home to various cultural entities, including the Commission for Arts and Crafts, the Provincial Museum, and the multidisciplinary Center for Arts-Begijnhof. In 1996, these entities merged to form the Provincial Center for Visual Arts (PCBK).
In 2002, Z33 emerged from the PCBK as a house for contemporary art, known as Z33, Huis voor Actuele Kunst. This transformation marked a new era, focusing on contemporary art and design through thematic projects presented in the Begijnhof houses and the modernist exhibition building, Vleugel 58. As an institution without a fixed collection, Z33 distinguishes itself through exhibitions of contemporary art and critical design, often centered around societal themes. Collaborating with both artistic and scientific partners, Z33 provides a platform for emerging artists and designers on the brink of breakthrough, supported by initiatives like FORMAT, a talent development project, and solo exhibitions. Since 2008, Z33 has also ventured into public art, with the Reading between the lines see-through church being one of its most renowned projects.
On January 1, 2018, Z33 underwent a significant transformation. Due to internal Flemish state reforms, the Province of Limburg was no longer responsible for cultural affairs, leading Z33 to become an independent non-profit organization with its own staff. This shift also saw Z33 take on the responsibilities of four smaller organizations, including the Culture Platform Design and the non-profit organization Art in Public Space.
In 2020, under the artistic direction of Adinda Van Geystelen, Z33 moved to a new location at Bonnefantenstraat 1. The existing exhibition building, Vleugel 58, was renovated and expanded with a new wing, Vleugel 19, designed by Italian architect Francesca Torzo. This new wing garnered international acclaim, winning the Piranesi Award (2018), the Italian Architecture Prize (2020), the Moira Gemill Prize for Emerging Architecture (2020), and a nomination for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2022. Torzo’s design is a harmonious blend of modernity and historical context, featuring a sober and restrained exterior with diamond-shaped bricks that complement the existing architecture and the adjacent Begijnhof.
Art Museum Z33 is not just confined to its physical space. It has a strong presence in public art, with projects like Kunst aan de Maas, which aims to create artworks in five Maasland municipalities by 2024, reflecting the stories embedded in the landscape. Other notable public art initiatives include the mural I was here by Pavel Balta in the Ter Hilst district of Hasselt and the social sculpture The Play by Ief Spincemaille in Genk.
Twice a year, Z33 delves into societal themes through comprehensive exhibitions accompanied by supporting programs. These exhibitions not only showcase the imagination of visual artists but also highlight practical and innovative solutions from designers and architects. Some past exhibitions include Mind The System, Find The Gap (2012), Space Odyssey 2.0 (2013), Perpetual Uncertainty (2017), and Composite Presence (2022).
A visit to Art Museum Z33 is an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The new building’s interior is a cluster of surprising spaces that change character with the light, creating an ever-evolving atmosphere. The variety in exhibition rooms—from those bathed in natural light to high, narrow spaces and broad, expansive rooms with views of the garden—ensures that each visit is unique.
Whether you are an art aficionado, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of art and society, Art Museum Z33 offers a rich and thought-provoking experience. Its commitment to contemporary art and design, coupled with its innovative approach to societal themes, makes it a must-visit destination in Hasselt. As you explore the museum and its surroundings, you will not only witness the cutting edge of art and design but also engage with the broader cultural and societal conversations that shape our world today.
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