Valerie Traan Gallery

Hidden in a small street in Antwerp’s historical centre, where a convent used to be, gallerist Veerle Wenes founded a design gallery that’s known for exploring the fusion between art, design and architecture. Through architecture, Wenes has transformed the old building - which also includes a listed chapel. In addition, the use of white walls, original brick floors and staircases opens up to various volumes without completely erasing the structure’s history.

She also resides there, masterfully merging the great design she champions with her own life, displaying its practical uses. From the colourful Muller Van Severen chairs to Scholten & Baijings homeware and Octave Vandeweghe’s faceted tools referencing prehistoric objects, this is a place where any aesthetics obsessive will find interior design gratification.

Veerle grew up with parents who bought pieces exclusively from people that they knew, so collecting and curating art is a family thing. After spending more than 20 years in communication design, Veerle embarked on her third career incarnation as a gallerist. 

Spend an afternoon in the company of Veerle and wander through her world, a  gallery filled with stories that often take the visitor out of their comfort zone - something that she relishes and is the point of difference to the many galleries found in Antwerp.