La ligne de vie.
Magritte speaks
Saturday, 21 February 2026
BASE2545 / The Guild
Contact us
In 1938 René Magritte took the stage at the KMSKA as both speaker and visionary. During his lecture La ligne de vie he revealed not only the origins and development of his art, but also Belgium’s role in the international Surrealist movement. It became his most influential talk ever, a moment in which the artist explained himself and his work with masterful clarity.

The exhibition Magritte. La ligne de vie brings this unique event back to life. Magritte appears here as his own curator. Visitors discover the works he highlighted at the time and experience how he drew connections between Surrealism in Brussels and Antwerp. You come face to face with the intriguing ties between Magritte and Surrealists such as Marcel Mariën and Léo Dohmen.
Peter Ruyffelaere, guide of this exhibition, has worked closely with the Magritte heirs for more than thirty years. This exceptional expertise and trust ensure that Magritte’s legacy is passed on with the greatest care and authenticity. As publisher of the official catalogue, he also provides a rich reference work that invites both art experts and enthusiasts to dive deeper into Magritte’s world of thought. With his unique knowledge and infectious passion, Peter Ruyffelaere forms the perfect bridge between the master’s oeuvre and today’s public.

Practical Information
When
Saturday, 21 February 2026
Meeting Point
Gather at 1:40 p.m. at the KMSKA,
Leopold de Waelplaats 2, 2000 Antwerp
Program
- 2:00 p.m.: start of the guided tour (sharp)
- Afterwards: conversation with guide and publisher Peter Ruyffelaere
- We conclude around 4:00 p.m.
Included
Entrance ticket, guide, and drinks
Price
- For members of The Guild: included in membership
- For non-members attending only this activity: €65
Registration
Register before 5 February 2026 via christoph@base2545.com
Modernist Masterpieces.
From Villa Cavrois to La Piscine
Saturday, 28 March 2026
BASE2545 / The Guild
Contact us

Villa Cavrois in Croix, near Lille, is a modernist masterpiece by Robert Mallet-Stevens. Built in 1932 as a Gesamtkunstwerk in which architecture, design, and lifestyle merge, this iconic villa is today considered one of the absolute highlights of European modernism. It was even nicknamed “the Versailles of modernism.” The clean lines, refined materials, and pioneering residential concepts breathe the avant-garde spirit of the 1930s and continue to inspire architects and design enthusiasts worldwide.

During this special visit, architect Luc Binst takes on the role of mentor. From his own architectural perspective, he draws connections between Mallet-Stevens’ revolutionary design and the challenges of contemporary architecture. In this way, he
enriches your view with insights from his own practice, allowing you to experience Villa Cavrois not only as a restored heritage monument, but also as a vibrant point of reference for innovation, aesthetics, and quality of life. A unique opportunity to rediscover an architectural icon through the eyes of a contemporary master.

La Piscine. The museum that surprises you from the very first step!
In the heart of Roubaix lies one of France’s most remarkable museums: La Piscine. Housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool from the 1930s, it is a place where art and architecture come together in a truly unique way. As you stroll through the bright, elegant galleries, you encounter masterpieces of painting, sculpture, fashion, and applied arts, beautifully displayed around the water basin that still forms the soul of the building.
The museum is not only a delight for art lovers, but also for anyone who appreciates atmosphere, history, and beauty. The combination of the magnificent building and its surprising collections makes a visit to La Piscine an unforgettable experience.

Practical information
When
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Meeting Point
Gather at 10:40 a.m. at Villa Cavrois
60 Av. du Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 59170 Croix, France
Program
- 11:00 a.m.: guided tour and commentary by Luc Binst (sharp)
- Lunch (included)
- Afternoon: visit to La Piscine
- Conclusion around 4:30 p.m.
Included
Entrance tickets, lunch, and guides
Price
For members of The Guild: included in membership
For non-members attending only this activity: €165
Registration
Register before 20 February 2026 via christoph@base2545.com
