How many Antwerp residents have already walked along the Volkstraat without ever suspecting what lies behind that stately yellow brick facade? The church hardly seems to impose itself on the streetscape. No imposing tower that draws attention from afar, no heavily visited tourist attraction. And yet one of the most remarkable church buildings in the city is hidden here.
Behind the facade is the Sint-Walburgiskerk, an impressive Art Deco church that remains an unknown discovery even for many Antwerpers. Whoever opens the door steps into a space where architecture, heritage and music come together. It is a place that surprises, not only through its remarkable interior, but also through its lively musical life.
It is not for nothing that Sint-Walburgis is sometimes called the 'Singing Church of 't Zuid'. During the liturgy there is plenty of singing, and outside of it music also forms an essential part of life in the church. Choral singing, concerts, organ music and numerous other musical initiatives have found their permanent place there. In addition, the church also houses a remarkable collection of instruments, from organs and pianos to harmoniums.
Since Sunday, that collection has gained a striking newcomer: a mobile carillon of around 3.5 tons, equipped with more than fifty bells. The impressive instrument has for the time being found a home in the church and thus literally adds dozens of new voices to the musical palette of Sint-Walburgis.
A carillon finds a home in Antwerp
That the imposing instrument found its place in the church without any problems was thanks to the experience of Antwerp city carillonneur Koen Van Assche and two of his students. With the necessary expertise, they brought the carillon safely to its new destination.
The carillon already has an international history. Last summer it could be heard at the World Carillon Congress in Mafra (Portugal), where carillonneurs from all over the world gathered from 24 to 28 June 2026. That the carillon now resides in Sint-Walburgis does not mean it is permanently tied to the church. From time to time the instrument will also be deployed elsewhere for concerts and events.
One of the enthusiastic advocates of the project is Carl Van Eyndhoven, carillonneur, teacher and member of the church council of Sint-Walburgis. He sees numerous possibilities for the instrument within the rich musical life of the church.
A new voice beside the baptismal font
The carillon will be placed to the left of the altar, in front of the memorial chapel and beside the baptismal font. From there it will mainly be used during concerts and musical activities. There are also possibilities within the liturgy in the longer term.
In addition, the instrument offers new opportunities for students and young carillonneurs. They can practise there, experiment and try out repertoire in an environment where music has played a central role for many years.
The arrival of the carillon is therefore more than the placement of an impressive instrument. It creates new opportunities for collaboration between musicians, students and audiences, and enriches the church's musical offering.
With the arrival of the carillon, Sint-Walburgiskerk once again expands its musical possibilities. Alongside choirs, organs and other historic instruments, the carillon now also takes its place in the story of the Singing Church of 't Zuid. Whoever walks along the Volkstraat soon may look at that seemingly modest facade with different eyes. For behind those walls, a great deal of music has long been sounding, and from now on fifty bronze voices will be added to it.