Monster Chetwynd's 'Salamander Portal' Opens at Middelheim Museum
Monster Chetwynd's exhibition, 'A FRIENDS MAKING MACHINE,' is taking place at the Middelheim Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, from May 16 to October 11, 2026. A standout feature of the show is 'Salamander Portal' (2026), a permanent work that showcases three vibrant fuchsia salamanders crossing a stone-like arch at the museum's east entrance, connecting the sculpture park with the local community, including ZAS Middelheim hospital, UKJA center for child and adolescent psychiatry, and University of Antwerp students. Other artworks include 'Proscenium Arches' (2026), 'Hellmouth 5' (2026), and 'Tears' (2021). The exhibition will also include various performances, workshops, and film screenings. Chetwynd is known for being a past Turner Prize nominee.
Key facts
- Monster Chetwynd's solo exhibition 'A FRIENDS MAKING MACHINE' is at Middelheim Museum in Antwerp, Belgium.
- The exhibition runs from May 16 to October 11, 2026.
- 'Salamander Portal' (2026) is a permanent commission featuring three massive fuchsia salamanders on a stone-like arc.
- The portal serves as the east gate to the sculpture park, connecting it to the community.
- Other works include 'Proscenium Arches' (2026), 'Hellmouth 5' (2026), and 'Tears' (2021).
- 'Hellmouth 5' is inspired by Ingmar Bergman's 1975 film adaptation of Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'.
- 'Tears' (2021) consists of Zorbs, inflatable human-sized hamster balls representing tears.
- Chetwynd is a former Turner Prize nominee.
Entities
Artists
- Monster Chetwynd
Institutions
- Middelheim Museum
- ZAS Middelheim hospital
- UKJA centre for child and adolescent psychiatry
- University of Antwerp
Locations
- Antwerp
- Belgium