Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – October 22, 2026 – Collectible design platform Objects With Narratives has announced the official expansion of its gallery operations into Antwerp, marking a significant strategic addition to its established exhibition presence in Belgium. The contemporary gallery, founded by Nik Vandewyngaerde, Robbe Vandewyngaerde, and Oskar Eryatmaz, confirmed that its new physical space in Antwerp will officially open its doors on 9 December 2026. The development expands the gallery’s infrastructure for showcasing rare, narrative-driven functional art and limited-edition design pieces to international private collectors and cultural institutions.
- What are the key details of the Objects With Narratives expansion in Antwerp?
- Who is behind Objects With Narratives and what is their founding philosophy?
- Which artists and international fairs are represented by Objects With Narratives?
- Background of the particular development
- Prediction: How this development can affect the European collectible design market and independent creators
What are the key details of the Objects With Narratives expansion in Antwerp?
The international functional art and design gallery Objects With Narratives (OWN) has formally scheduled the public opening of its dedicated gallery venue in Antwerp for 9 December 2026. The move represents a major milestone in the expansion strategy of the gallery, which has operated as a leading hub for contemporary design, functional art, and site-specific installations across Europe.
As detailed in reporting by Cultural Union and official statements published by the gallery, Objects With Narratives was originally established to bridge the gap between traditional fine art and utility-driven design. By establishing a permanent foothold in Antwerp, the institution aims to deepen its engagement with the Belgian and broader European design ecosystems while broadening its network of collectors, interior architects, and institutional partners.
The opening in Antwerp comes after years of rapid organizational growth. The trio of founders initially established a small design studio and gallery space in Bruges before undertaking a temporary collaboration in Hasselt. The gallery subsequently made international headlines with its landmark move into the historic 2,000-square-metre Grand Sablon 40 townhouse in Brussels, a location secured in part through discussions with MAD Brussels Chief Executive Officer Anaïs Sandra Carion. The upcoming Antwerp space represents the newest physical venue under the gallery’s direct management.
Who is behind Objects With Narratives and what is their founding philosophy?
Objects With Narratives was founded by brothers Nik Vandewyngaerde and Robbe Vandewyngaerde—both trained architects—alongside their long-time business partner Oskar Eryatmaz, who brought commercial sector expertise to the venture.
As reported by journalist Peter Martin for Cultural Union, the Vandewyngaerde brothers transitioned from architectural practice into design after creating initial prototype furniture pieces that gained widespread digital traction. Realising the necessity of a business framework that prioritized storytelling over mass production, the founders formed Objects With Narratives to provide comprehensive representation for independent designers.
Explaining the foundational vision of the platform, the gallery’s charter outlines a core belief in shifting the incentive of design toward objects powered by authentic narratives. Under this model, the gallery manages end-to-end commercial operations—including global sales, marketing, logistics, and physical production support—allowing artists and craftsmen to focus entirely on artistic creation.
In an interview detailing the emotional and material philosophy of the gallery, Co-Founder Robbe Vandewyngaerde explained to Teeth Magazine:
“When someone brings a well-crafted piece into their life, they’re not simply acquiring an object. They’re entering a quiet, ongoing connection. These objects carry depth. Their value unfolds gradually, revealing layers of detail and meaning the more one lives with them. It’s about connection: between artist and material, the environment where the piece was born, and the person who will live with it.”
Robbe Vandewyngaerde further noted:
“Objects With Narratives stands for a return to the tactile, to the physical poetry of objects made with intention, care, and history.”
Which artists and international fairs are represented by Objects With Narratives?
Objects With Narratives represents an intimate roster of prominent international contemporary artists, designers, and master craftspeople. Notable Belgian figures represented by the gallery include interior designer and craftsman Lionel Jadot, described by the gallery founders as a driving force in the Belgian design scene, alongside acclaimed sculptor and designer Ben Storms.
In addition to its domestic program in Belgium, the gallery actively runs international residency and exchange programs, including a dedicated residency in South Korea featuring works by artist Hakmin Lee and ceramic sculptor Sukkeun Kang. The gallery’s roster also features solo projects and curated exhibitions by international artists such as Marius Ritiu.
Beyond its permanent gallery locations, Objects With Narratives maintains an extensive presence across major international art and design fairs. As documented by PAD Fairs and the BRAFA Art Fair, the gallery regularly participates in prestigious global events, including PAD London, PAD Paris, Collectible Brussels, Art Brussels, and the annual BRAFA Art Fair.
Background of the particular development
The establishment of the new gallery location in Antwerp takes place against the backdrop of Belgium’s growing reputation as an international epicenter for collectible design and contemporary art. Over the past decade, cities across Belgium—most notably Brussels and Antwerp—have experienced a surge in private collector interest, driven by a rich heritage of avant-garde architecture, fashion, and fine craftsmanship.
Objects With Narratives played a pivotal role in this cultural movement when it acquired the Grand Sablon 40 location in Brussels, transforming a long-dormant historic building into a major multi-story design destination. The strategic expansion into Antwerp reflects a continuing push by independent galleries to establish secondary locations within major Flemish commercial hubs, catering to local design institutions, historic fashion houses, and a dense concentration of private art patrons.
Prediction: How this development can affect the European collectible design market and independent creators
The opening of Objects With Narratives’ Antwerp gallery in December 2026 is expected to exert a measurable impact on both independent design practitioners and the European collectible design market.
For independent artists and craftsmen represented by the gallery, the expansion provides a secondary physical platform in one of Europe’s key fashion and design capitals. By offering additional exhibition space and full operational management—ranging from logistics to production funding—the venue enables represented designers to scale up production of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition functional artworks.
