The CoBrA depot joins Katoen Natie’s HeadquARTers. It is an exploration of the very diverse collection: paintings, graphic work, sculptures and applied art, bibliophile editions and other publications as the foundation of the movement. Versatility is the strong suit of this collection. The big names of CoBrA are present: Dotremont, Alechinsky, Appel, Corneille, Constant and Jorn, among many others. From a slightly odd concept, totally in line with CoBrA, the depot visit gives the opportunity to experience the essence of the CoBrA movement.

In a powerful and wide landscape on the Scheldt in Beveren, Katoen Natie built a contemporary office castle that fully matches the historic character of the area. Burcht Singelberg is named after the name of the castle of the Beveren glory, which played a key role in the separation of the southern and northern Netherlands in 1585.

Only a hill remains of the historic castle, where the contemporary Burcht Singelberg has been erected. Katoen Natie and Indaver, among others, are based there. The buildings are grouped in a conglomerate, a bold whole that manifests itself prominently in the surroundings. Around the castle are various top works by Flemish and foreign contemporary artists: Michael Aerts, Pablo Atchugarry, Wim Delvoye, Atelier van Lieshout, Hubert Minnebo, Jef Mouton, Ramsey Nasr and Antonio Seguí. The crowning glory of the project is a walled ‘Flemish garden’, designed by landscape architect Dirk Vandekerkhove.

The exhibition “Rascals & Rebels”, which adorns the corridors of the HeadquARTers, brings together contemporary European and Latin American artists.

Every artist addresses a social, political or cultural topic in his own playful or rebellious way. Sculptures by Maria Causa and Jose Gurvich, paintings by Edgard Tytgat and Julio Laraz, installations by Libero Badii and Eddo Stern, … They encourage the visitor to reflect on the generally accepted ideas.

Cotton, wool and leather. Katoen Natie was formed to trade, ship, and handle these basic raw materials. Today, the Katoen Natie group provides port and logistics services for a range of other sectors; however, it has maintained its links with the original business through a fascinating collection of antique textile art.

‘3500 Years of Textile Art’ illustrates the history of Egypt, from the Pharaonic to the Islamic period. In five serene rooms you will discover ancient textile art, clothing, accessories and other archaeological finds from ancient Egypt, the Near East and Central Asia.

The star attraction is the Tunic Room, which houses the world’s largest collections of complete tunics.