The M HKA museum in Antwerp is set to retain its status and collection, as the Flemish government has retracted its earlier proposal to transform the institution into a cultural center. This reversal, dubbed "M HKA 2.0" by Flemish culture minister Caroline Gennez, ends a contentious period of debate and widespread opposition, safeguarding the museum's future as a key contemporary art venue in Europe. The decision means that M HKA's valuable collection will remain in Antwerp, rather than being transferred to the SMAK museum in Ghent, and the museum will continue its independent programming.
The initial plan to repurpose M HKA had ignited a firestorm of criticism from various corners of the art world. Artists, cultural organizations, and even the museum itself vocally opposed the move, arguing for the preservation of M HKA's unique identity and its significant role in the contemporary art landscape. Protests became a regular occurrence outside the museum, and legal challenges were initiated, asserting the illegality of Gennez's proposed changes. The unified front against the government's decision highlighted the deep value placed on M HKA by both local and international stakeholders.
In response to the public outcry and legal scrutiny, Minister Gennez announced the revised strategy, which now sees M HKA playing an even more integral role in bridging heritage and contemporary artistic practices. While the museum itself will largely maintain its existing structure and mission, Gennez indicated a broader reform for the Flemish cultural sector. This includes the formation of a General Assembly designed to foster collaboration among artists and cultural professionals in the region. Additionally, the SMAK museum will now fall under the direct operation of the regional government, aligning with Gennez's broader vision for the regional museum system.
Following the government's pivot, M HKA chose to respond not with a formal statement on the policy reversal, but by proactively announcing its 2026 program. This includes major traveling exhibitions for artists like Lee Bul and Nicola L., alongside a group show titled "we refuse_d," which explores themes of censorship. The museum also plans to offer free rotating presentations of its permanent collection throughout 2026, a move seen by many as a celebration of the institution's enduring legacy and its hard-won battle for autonomy. The museum's artistic director, Nav Haq, emphasized the importance of M HKA as a vital space for reflection on the role of art and culture in society, especially amidst a fluctuating political climate, as the institution approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027.
The preservation of M HKA as a museum underscores the powerful collective voice of the art community and the public in shaping cultural policy. This outcome reaffirms the institution's standing as a crucial center for contemporary art and ensures its continued contribution to the cultural fabric of Flanders and beyond. The decision not only safeguards M HKA's collection and programming but also highlights the importance of cultural institutions in fostering dialogue and addressing societal challenges.