Deldo x KMSKA: proud Sinjoren with a passion for art

Deldo’s story reads like a true Antwerp success story of pioneers and entrepreneurs. What began in 1973 with the vision of Jos Delcroix and Paula Donckers, hence the name Deldo, has grown into a global player in the European tyre import and export industry. Yet despite its international reach, the heart of this family business still beats for Antwerp. Its long-standing partnership with the KMSKA is a natural reflection of Deldo’s DNA: a strong connection to the city and a genuine passion for art.

A family-run business with a global reputation

When Katleen Delcroix, Director of Finance & Administration, speaks about the decision to become a partner of the KMSKA, one word immediately comes to mind: pride. “We are a company rooted in Antwerp’s port and proud Sinjoren (Antwerp natives),” she says. “We have lived and worked in the province of Antwerp all our lives. Supporting the museum was a natural choice for us. We are proud of ‘our’ renewed KMSKA and wanted to give something back to the city.”

Although Deldo, as an international tyre distributor, works closely with garages and dealers throughout Europe, the partnership with the museum was never driven by commercial considerations. “The partnership stems from the world we enjoy being part of,” Katleen explains. “We are passionate about art and love visiting museums, both in Belgium and abroad. In our view, the KMSKA is simply a world-class museum, not least because of its unique blend of old and new.”

An experience in a unique setting

For Deldo, the museum is also a place where clients can experience Antwerp from a different perspective. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, for example, the company organised guided tours of the KMSKA for international guests, introducing them to the city’s rich cultural heritage. More recently, one of the museum’s spaces served as the venue for an event organised by Deldo’s investment company. “It is a pleasure to spend time in such a unique setting,” says Katleen.

Yet it is perhaps the informal moments that the family values most. Through Club Fouquet, they regularly attend exhibition openings and special events. “I’m not there to network or pursue an agenda,” Katleen laughs. “I would rather enjoy the conversations and the experience the museum team has created. I work hard enough during the day. In the evening, I switch off, and the museum is the perfect place to unwind.” The family also spends time around the museum outside these events, whether enjoying dinner at Madonna or visiting an exhibition. “The neighbourhood surrounding the museum is one of the nicest in Antwerp. We simply feel at home there.”

“Which five would you take with you?”

A love of art has long been part of family life. Whenever they visit a museum, Katleen plays a game with her husband and their four children, aged between eighteen and twenty-three. “I always ask them: if you had a shopping trolley right now and could take five works of art home with you, which would you choose?” she says. To her delight, the family recently discovered that four of their five favourite works at the Museum of Modern Art in Rome were exactly the same.

At the KMSKA, the family’s undisputed favourite is a painting by Bruegel. “That choice is a tribute to my father,” Katleen explains. “He is a huge admirer of Bruegel and has always wanted to buy one, but my mother consistently talked him out of it.” While the younger generation is often drawn to contemporary artists and is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Anthony Gormley exhibition, they have an equal appreciation for the Old Masters.

The future and innovation

As a partner of the KMSKA, Katleen enjoys thinking along with the museum about its future development. She is fascinated by the works still held in storage and would love to see even more rotation in the galleries, allowing visitors to discover hidden treasures that currently remain behind the scenes.

She also sees opportunities to further enrich the visitor experience and to strengthen collaborations with Antwerp’s art academies. “I love the experience of a museum,” she says. “The exhibitions that stay with visitors are often the ones that surprise them, offering something refreshing and less conventional.”

One thing that certainly does not need changing, in her view, is the KMSKA team. “The guidance and service are outstanding in every respect,” says Katleen. “The unique atmosphere the team creates elevates every museum visit. We are extremely happy with, and yes, once again proud of, our partnership with the museum.”