Exhibition
Tamed Nature explores the layered history of urban green space through the lens of the city of Antwerp. From the first urban parks in the 19th century to the growing climate activism in the second half of the 20th century, the transformation of Antwerp reflects global evolutions in power dynamics, spatial and social ideals and the relationship with nature and ecology. The exhibition showcases unknown and underappreciated stories from the history of urban green space. Contemporary artistic and architectural interventions challenge conventional notions of urban nature and look ahead to a more inclusive, layered, and resilient urban future.
Public green spaces are of inestimable value in urban living environments. They improve residents’ quality of life and health, bolster cities in their resilience against climate change, offer space for social interactions, and forge connections within the complex urban society. Yet, urban green spaces are not neutral. They are shaped by shifting political, economic, and social agendas within society. In both historical and contemporary cities, green spaces give rise to tensions and conflicts – between gentrification and accessibility, privatisation and the commons, biodiversity and recreation, safety and exclusion, environmental justice and exploitation.
Opening
On 16 September, the VAi and DE SINGEL will open the exhibition Tamed Nature and take you on a journey through the story of the exhibition with an introduction by curator and researcher Bart Tritsmans. Eva Pfannes, co-founder and director of OOZE architects & urbanists, will give a lecture in which she will share her vision of nature in the city. Afterwards, you can chat in the bar and explore the exhibition.
16.09.2025
DE SINGEL, Antwerp
Performance
On 9 October, the city poet of Antwerp, Esohe Weyden and sound artists Maarten Buyl and Raphael Malfliet share their works on the interaction between the built environment and nature. While Buyl and Malfliet play live from their album Niemandsland composed for the exhibition Tamed Nature, Weyden reads her new poetry written specially for this event.
09.10.2025
DE SINGEL, Antwerp
17.09.2025 - 01.02.2026
opening: 16.09.2025 at 20:00h
From Wednesday to Sunday - 02:00 pm until 7:00 pm and during evening performances until 22:00h
€5 (tickets online and on site)
€0 (students, -19-year, kansentarief/omnio-statuut and ICOM, tickets only on site)
De Singel (Expo)
Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp (BE)
Bart Tritsmans
Hülya Ertas and Dennis Pohl (Flanders Architecture Institute)
Aslı Çiçek
Flanders Architecture Institute and DE SINGEL
The Government of Flanders
There are spaces reserved for wheelchair users in all halls of DE SINGEL. Please contact us in advance at tickets@desingel.be so that we can reserve a space for you. You can use an elevator to reach the halls. Enter through the main entrance of DE SINGEL and make your way down the ramp to the left of the stairs to take the lift. Read more about the accessibility
You can store your coat, handbag or backpack in the free lockers available at DE SINGEL. These are located in two places: in the locker area under the stairs at the main entrance via Desguinlei, and at the Theatre Square in Beel Laag. Instructions on how to use the lockers can be found on the side of the locker column.
In 2024-2026, the architecture programme of the Flanders Archtecture Institute is all about what we share.
How do shared spaces influence our way of life? In 2024-2026, the architecture program of the Flanders Architecture Institute will focus on what we share. In our exhibitions, lectures, debates, workshops and publications we investigate the different aspects of cohabitation and living together.
