In the shadow of St Rumbold’s Tower stands a historical monument known as ‘De Cellekens’. Originally, it was a charitable institution which took in single, destitute women free of charge.
The beautiful garden is enclosed in a U-shape by the three wings of the building. In the centre is the convent, and on the left and right there are rows of small houses built in 1854. Each rounded, arched door provided access to two small rooms containing a bed, cupboard, chair and table. It was these little ‘cells’ that gave the institution its name.
The building stood empty for many years before being restored by sculptor Mariette Teugels and her husband, the photographer Herman Smet. They were awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra Prize for their work. Mariette Teugels made the figures you see in the garden.
Accessibility
De Cellekens building is not accessible to visitors.
Contact
- Phone +32 15 21 16 41
-
Address
Minderbroedersgang 12
2800 Mechelen
Belgium - Email cellekens@hotmail.com
Opening hours
De Cellekens building is not accessible to visitors. Through the gate you can admire the statues in the beautiful courtyard.
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