“At Etoile Mécanique, we don’t just build things—we give shape to ideas. Since 1996, we’ve been working in that rich space where art meets engineering, where precision meets play. Every project, whether grand or minimal, is an invitation to collaborate, to solve, to create. Our workshop is more than a space—it’s a mindset.”
Founded in 1996, Etoile Mécanique is a specialized company operating at the intersection of art, design, and engineering. Based in Antwerp, Belgium, our office and workshop serve as the heart of operations—a space where ideas are built, tested, and launched into the world.
We collaborate with museums, artists, galleries, institutions, collectors, and contractors—sometimes leading projects, other times supporting them as a trusted technical partner. Whether we're installing a single sculpture or managing logistics for a large-scale exhibition, our goal is the same: to bring precision, care, and creativity to every step of the process.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, including:
Museums & Institutions
KMSKA, KMMA Africa Museum Tervuren, MAS Antwerp, Middelheim Museum, Plantin-Moretus Museum, Bozar Brussels, Gallo-Roman Museum Tongeren, KMDA Zoo & Planckendael, KU Leuven, C-mine Genk, Hof Van Busleyden Mechelen, MUDAM Luxembourg, Westtoer, MONA Tasmania, CAPC Bordeaux...
Artists & Galleries
Wim Delvoye, Guillaume Bijl, Koen Vanmechelen, Zeno X Gallery, Keteleer Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery, Spencer Finch, Monika Sosnowska, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Johan Creten, Ulla von Brandenburg, Monster Chetwynd, William Forsythe, Adrien Tirtiaux, Patrick Van Caeckenbergh...
Collectors & Private Clients
Walter Vanhaerents, Katoen Natie...
General Contractors
Potteau, Meyvaert, Verstraete-Van Hecke, Reynders...
What we offer
From start to finish, we approach each project with a maker’s mindset and a problem-solver’s spirit. Our services include:
Art Handling & Installation
Indoors, outdoors, small and delicate or large and complex—we move, lift, and install with precision.
Mounting & Soclage
Custom-designed mounts made from brass, steel, or aluminum, built to conservation standards and tailored in dialogue with conservators.
Art Production
From sketches to prototypes to fully realized works—furniture, scenography, mechanical systems, and more—built in-house or on-site with our mobile workshop.
Packaging
Crate design, travel frames, and preparation for safe shipment, in collaboration with trusted logistics partners.
Project Management
Adaptable to projects of all sizes, supported by a wide network of skilled partners and freelancers.
Our Strengths
Human, honest communication
Solution-focused approach to every challenge
Flexible, hands-on team with a high work ethic
Multifunctional and multilingual
A deep respect for both art and those who create it
The Team
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Founder & Product Designer
Founder, designer, and specialist in mounting, pinning, and mechanics.
Koen began Etoile Mécanique in 1996 and quickly became known as a natural-born designer and problem solver. His background in product design, paired with decades of experience in the art and exhibition world, gives him a unique ability to see the bigger picture without losing sight of detail. From his early collaborations with artist Wim Delvoye to his ongoing leadership of the company, Koen remains the cornerstone of the team. -
Electronics Engineer & Art handler
Our biggest daredevil and never gives up! He is not afraid of challenges, no matter how big, long-term or difficult they may be. Koen is trained as an electrical engineer and has years of experience in art handling, soclage and electrical systems. Metal and wood constructions hold no secrets for him. He creates the most beautiful objects using simple techniques. Koen is Dutch-speaking and has an excellent knowledge of English.
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Electronics Engineer & IT
Our professor. He is an electronics and IT specialist and the most critical colleague... especially when we think something is easy, he is the one who raises the real challenge. Philippe manages the 3D printing, electronic components, sensors and small motors. He understands power, voltage and precision. He is the man behind the small autonomous installations that silently do what they are supposed to. Philippe is perfectly bilingual in Dutch and French and also speaks English.
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Technician & Art handler
Loves tidiness and organisation. He trained as a carpenter and is now the most skilled TIG welder in the workshop. He improves production techniques and working methods. He organises the departments in the workshop and keeps the site vehicles tidy. He is proficient in Cad – Rhino, Sketch-up, Illustrator and Photoshop. Milton completes the planning and fits it into the schedule. Our multi-talented employee is also multilingual and speaks Portuguese, Dutch, English, Spanish and French.
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Interior Designer
A trained interior designer, but unlike most, he is highly skilled in building objects and installations in the studio. He is a master of efficiency...fast and accurate. He has a keen sense of aesthetics and is proficient in professional CAD packages. Robbe loves challenges.
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Sculptor & Artist
Specialist in metalworking and clay sculptures. A jack of all trades. Enthusiastic and energetic!
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Technician & Art handler
Senior mount maker and art handler. Also a skilled construction worker. Wood, plastering and Mortex are his specialities. He also has a licence to operate a telehandler, forklift and aerial work platform.
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Metalworker & Sculptor
Specialist in metalworking and welder. Also a valued mount maker and art handler. She specialises in precision work in the metal industry.
And when the project calls for it, we scale up with a trusted network of freelance professionals—each hand-picked for their reliability and craft.