MoMu takes to the streets with decorated utility boxes in Nationalestraat
The District of Antwerp and MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp are hitting the streets with some highlights from MoMu's archives. In an original collaboration, these two partners have redesigned 16 utility boxes in 12 locations along Nationalestraat. By decorating these entirely functional objects – used to house technical apparatus for the electricity and gas network – part of MoMu's rich collection will remain on show, even while the museum is closed.
The district contacted MoMu and asked them to find a surprising way to link existing infrastructure along Nationalestraat with the Belgian fashion world. The end result is a mash-up of different iconic silhouettes from the MoMu collection. At each location, passers-by will have the chance to admire a single picture by the photographer Ronald Stoops and make-up artist Inge Grognard, selected from their pioneering work over the last decades for accomplished Belgian names, like Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene and Walter Van Beirendonck.
The utility boxes will feature the finest contemporary work from the museum collection which, despite the current renovation work, continues to expand with clothes and accessories of great relevance to future generations. As the world's largest collection of Belgian fashion, MoMu's archive continues to grow through purchases, but also donations and long-term loans from private individuals, designers and fashion brands.
The renovated utility boxes in Nationalestraat offer a glimpse of this extensive and varied collection, which is an infinite source of inspiration to all fashion lovers; including museum employees and visitors, students, researchers and designers. Thanks to this project, the entire city will now discover an unexpected selection from the unique collection managed by MoMu, comprising approximately 33,000 objects and covering every layer of fashion and textile history.
MoMu director & chief curator Kaat Debo can't wait: “The decoration of the utility boxes is a partnership with the District of Antwerp and a unique demonstration of the connection between MoMu and the fashion district. In addition, it offers an original glimpse of our amazing collection. This is a wonderful preview of what will be on display when the museum reopens in September.”
So be sure to ‘save the date’: MoMu will reopen to the public during the weekend of 4 and 5 September 2021. Meanwhile, fashion fans can enjoy the best of MoMu outdoors with a walk along Nationalestraat.
All information and image material can be found on momu.be
Discover the walking route in Nationalestraat on Google
David Flamee