It is located in two neighbouring townhouses formerly owned by the artist Frans Snyders (1579–1657) and the mayor Nicolaas Rockox (1560–1640).
The house was rebuilt for Nicolaas II Rockox, lord Mayor of Antwerp.
The house is a typical example of the architecture that was popular with the bourgeoisie of the early 17th century in Antwerp.
Besides paintings the current KBC collection includes important engravings, sculptures and textiles.
Artists whose works are on display include Jan Fyt, Cornelis Massijs, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Sanders van Hemessen, Hans III Jordaens, Jacob Jordaens, Maerten de Vos, David Teniers, Quentin Matsys, Joachim Patinir, Frans Snyders, Lucas Faydherbe, Paulus Pontius and Lambert Lombard.