Depot Rato is not only a high-quality, sustainable home for the heritage of Mechelen and the surrounding region, but it is also where expertise in collection care can be developed and shared. We aim to make the thousands of objects held at Depot Rato as accessible as possible. Researchers can arrange an appointment to consult collection items. Part of the collection has also been digitised. The SAM and MUS databases allow anyone to search the collections online.
Make an appointment here
Explore the Entire Museum Collection
Today, the collection of Museum Hof van Busleyden contains some 24,000 objects. Almost all of them can be explored through our online catalogue. Search by artist or artwork type.
Still Haven’t Found What You're Looking For?
Contact us at
- Email depotrato@mechelen.be
Frequently Asked Questions About Depot Rato:
-
Can external conservators hire the store house?
Not at present. For now, the workshop is only used to conserve items belonging to the City of Mechelen's collections and to process its own holdings.
-
I’m looking for storage space for a collection. Can Depot Rato help?
Depot Rato has reached its maximum storage capacity. We are therefore unable to accept additional collections at present. However, collections are always changing, and this may be reviewed in future. Keep an eye on this page for updates.
-
I have an object that needs treatment. Can Depot Rato help?
Does the object belong to a collection managed by an association or organisation in the Mechelen District? If so, you may be able to use Depot Rato's anoxic treatment chamber. This facility is not available to businesses or private individuals.
Share
