On 11 April 2025, M Leuven will open the exhibition Art that moves, showcasing artworks that once belonged to private collections and now enrich the museum’s holdings. The exhibition is inspired by the recent long-term loan of two complete private collections. From a medieval Weeping Madonna to works by Camille Claudel, Léon Spilliaert and James Ensor, the exhibition presents masterpieces that have never before been shown to the public. ​ “The significance of private collections for the history and functioning of M cannot be overstated,” says Alderman for Culture and Chair of M, Bert Cornillie. “Donations, bequests and long-term loans from private collectors have played a major role in shaping M’s collection. The trend can be observed in many museums. However, the long-term loan of entire private collections is highly exceptional. Yet, in the past year, M has received two complete private collections on loan, adding 142 new objects to the museum. The city is immensely proud of this fact. They represent a valuable addition to M’s already rich collection and contribute to the international standing of Leuven’s museum."

The collections

  • The Van der Velden-Teurlings collection comprises 26 paintings on panel, copper and canvas, primarily from the 16th and 17th centuries. These still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and allegories are unique in that they are all signed, including works by Paulus Potter, Balthasar van der Ast and Willem van de Velde the Younger. Additionally, the collection includes 45 late medieval sculptures from the 13th to 16th centuries, carved in wood and alabaster, originating from both the Low Countries and the Franco-Burgundian regions of Southern Europe.

  • A second long-term loan consists of an anonymous private collection of Belgian art from 1900 to 1930. It includes 71 paintings and works on paper by artists such as James Ensor, Constant Permeke, Edgard Tytgat, Gustaaf De Smet and Gustave Van de Woestijne, along with an impressive 30 works by Léon Spilliaert. This significant addition enriches M’s collection by introducing several Symbolist and Expressionist artists who were not previously represented in the museum.

Marjan Debaene, senior curator of old masters at M Leuven, underscores the importance of private collections in relation to the museum’s acquisition and exhibition policy:

“A key objective for M Leuven is to strengthen its core collection through long-term loans, with a particular focus on complementary private collections that contextualize our existing holdings. Without the major donations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, M would look entirely different today.”

Masterpieces that ‘move’ in every sense of the word

​ The transfer of artworks to a museum is often accompanied by deep emotions. At the same time, it offers private collectors the assurance that their works will not only be meticulously documented, restored if necessary and preserved, but also made accessible to future generations. The exhibition title has both a literal and a figurative meaning: the works ‘move’ to the museum, but they also ‘move’ people. ​

“Museums and collectors are allies,” says Marjan Debaene. “Through long-term loans, museums can make masterpieces accessible to the public while offering expertise in research, conservation and presentation. It is a win-win situation for all involved.”