The Rubens Antwerp: Historic Charm and Contemporary Elegance United In Curio Collection By Hilton

Hotel Rubens announces expansion and joins Curio Collection by Hilton

The existing 36-room Hotel Rubens – Grote Markt located in the heart of the old town of Antwerp, is undergoing an ambitious expansion following a franchise agreement with Hilton and will rebrand to The Rubens Antwerp, Curio Collection by Hilton. The signing marks the first under the Curio Collection by Hilton lifestyle brand in Belgium and will bring together heritage, contemporary design and refined hospitality. The opening is scheduled for winter 2027.

With respect for the rich history of the Oude Beurs site, the monumental facades and historic structures will be restored and interwoven with contemporary architecture. Upon completion, The Rubens Antwerp, Curio Collection by Hilton will have 83 rooms, a 380 m² restaurant including a separable space for groups up to 120 people, a terrace, a fitness room and an underground car park with 37 spaces. Central to the design is a lush 600 m² hotel garden, a hidden oasis where tranquility and urban energy meet.

Didier Boehlen, owner of the hotel said “With this project, we are not only building a hotel; we are giving something back to Antwerp - a place where history, hospitality and urban serenity come together once again.”.

Heritage as the foundation for modern luxury

The expansion is taking place in one of Antwerp's most historical areas, surrounded by the Old Stock Exchange, Den Wolsack, the Hofkamer and the Zilversmidkamer. Bold architects are designing a harmonious overall picture in which heritage and new construction meet. The existing façades will be carefully restored and reintegrated into the hotel design. Old courtyards will make way for an inviting city garden that connects the existing hotel with the new wing.

Curio Collection by Hilton: a story that resonates internationally

Upon completion, The Rubens Antwerp will join the Curio Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of more than 190 unique properties globally which blend distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences. This collaboration reinforces the hotel's unique position: a place where art, heritage and international quality come together.The Rubens Antwerp will thus become more than just a place to stay: a refined destination where every guest will find an authentic experience.

David Heijligers, managing director, development, France and Benelux, Hilton, said: ¨We are delighted to collaborate with Didier Boehlen to bring our Curio Collection by Hilton brand to Belgium. Ideally located in the centre of Antwerp, Hotel Rubens Antwerp will bring contemporary design to a restored historical building, reflecting the culture and heritage of this vibrant city. Driven by demand for locally inspired, unique hotel stays, we look forward to the hotel opening planned for 2027, as another fantastic addition to Hilton´s growing lifestyle portfolio in Europe.¨

Didier Boehlen

An Antwerp native and owner of the hotel, has led the property for the past ten years with a strong focus on quality, hospitality and meaningful integration into the city. As founder and chairman of the Antwerp Hotel Association, he plays an active role in strengthening Antwerp’s position as an international destination.A graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Boehlen combines global hospitality expertise with a deep respect for the city’s heritage. In recent years, he expanded the hotel site by acquiring several neighbouring buildings, paving the way for an ambitious extension that brings together the historic character of the old town, contemporary design and the international strength of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand.Through the restoration of historic façades and the creation of a secluded city garden, Boehlen underscores his belief that hospitality should enrich both guests and the city itself.

A contemporary tribute to Rubens

Interior designer Hans Kuijten translates the artistic spirit and play of light and contrast, characteristics of Peter Paul Rubens, into a warm, contemporary interior experience. Rich materials, Belgian elegance and subtle historical references create a timeless atmosphere in which guests immediately feel at home.

Restaurant L’Opinion: where creativity and craftsmanship come together

The new restaurant “L'Opinion, First Edition Flavours” named after the 19th-century newspaper that was once written and printed on the same street, will be located on Lange Koepoortstraat. The carefully restored historic façade serves as the entrance to the hotel garden, while the main entrance to the restaurant is integrated into the new wing.With seating for approximately 180 guests, an open kitchen and a strongly experience-oriented concept, L'Opinion stands for “First Edition Flavours”: creative, artisanal dishes inspired by the idea of a unique first edition, always innovative, never identical. This is done with great attention to detail and product quality, ensuring a high-quality overall experience.

Cooperation and sustainability as core values

The project is being realised by a multidisciplinary team of experts: Bold architects (architecture), Hans Kuijten (interior design), Bau (structural engineering), Sweco (stability), Raco (engineering), Studiebureau Archeologie (archaeology), Daidalos Peutz (acoustics) and Ars Horti (landscape architecture).The extension is being designed to high standards in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency and urban integration. The result is a hotel that strikes a balance between heritage and modern hospitality.There are currently eight Hilton properties trading in Belgium, including Hilton Brussels Grand Place and DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City, and one further hotel in the pipeline.


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About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 25 world-class brands comprising 9,000 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 141 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 235 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Curio Collection by Hilton

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 190 individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience Curio Collection by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/curio, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X.