Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – St. Carolus Borromeus Church (400 years old) in Antwerp is enhancing the visitor experience with a new info desk, audio guides (5 languages), and themed tours. Chairman Olivier Lins plans a future museum.
The church council of Antwerp would like to welcome visitors to the church by expanding it with a museum. They would like everyone to have a pleasant experience, both local and international visitors. The church council has made some changes to help visitors. There is a new desk inside the church where people can get information.
They also made an audio guide in 5 different languages. The audio guide helps people learn about the church’s history and architecture. There are 3 different ways to tour the church. Officials mentioned that there is a long tour for adults who want to learn a lot. There is a shorter tour for people who don’t have much time. There is also a special tour just for children.
This church is a real monument with visitors from home and abroad, but it was time to bring our public activities into the 21st century,
says Olivier Lins.
How is Antwerp’s St. Carolus Borromeus church evolving into a cultural hub?
According to the council, the church also has a printed guide for people who prefer to read instead of listening. This way, everyone can learn about the church. The church council wants to make the church easier to understand and more interesting. They want to keep the church’s history and culture important. They are using things like audio guides and a reception desk to make the church more welcoming.
We want to tell the history of the whole site.
Olivier Lins, chairman of the church council
According to the officials, about 60,000 people visit the church every year. More people used to come when it was free, but now the people who visit care about the church’s history and art. The church wants to make the church and the area around it into a special place for history and culture. They are talking to the city and the government about making the area around the church into a museum.
Officials mentioned that they want to tell the story of the whole place so people can understand its past and why it’s important. If the plan is approved, it will take about 5 years to finish. Even though they are making changes, people can still visit the church.
This church is a real party hall, where all the walls speak.
Olivier Lins
The St. Carolus Borromeus Church is a beautiful church that has been around for 400 years. It was built in 1621. But in 1718, a fire destroyed some of the paintings by a famous artist named Peter Paul Rubens. The church also had a big fire in 2009. They fixed the church. They also added new lights.
The Church council mentioned that many churches are changing their use because fewer people go to them. But the St. Carolus Borromeus Church is still a place for people to worship. They also want to be a place for people to learn about history and culture. They are working to make sure everyone can visit the church.
