Antwerp Convention Bureau

One of the easiest venues to reach by train A Room with a ZOO is almost the continuation of the adjacent Belle Époque international station linking to the European rail network and establishing the classic style with its cathedral like halls. Hotels being within easy walking distance mean there is plenty of time to explore the somewhat unknown City of Antwerp.

Space for business and so much more... Our Meeting Center on the second floor has six modular rooms. You can rent these from 50 guests, but also for larger events of up to 500 guests, such as conferences, seminars or company parties. Choose your favorite color. Or just the room you need.

The KAVA Congress Center (KCC) was built on the foundations that used to house some of the departments and meeting rooms of the Royal Pharmacists Association of Antwerp. The KCC offers all facilities for meetings, trainings, congresses or other gatherings. Organizations, companies, professional groups and associations can use the infrastructure. Thanks to an ingenious use of the spaces, there are both small rooms for a limited number of participants and auditoriums for up to 250 people. Equipped with the latest audiovisual resources, internet connections and meeting equipment to organize a top event. The large courtyard garden is the anchor point in the architectural construction and a resting beacon for every visitor. There are congenial drink formulas for those who prefer it light, but we also cooperate with external caterers for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you have special wishes regarding catering, be sure to share them with us. From tapas to a walking dinner or BBQ, almost anything is possible. KCC is easily accessible by public transportation (train, streetcar and bus) and has a spacious underground parking garage. This is provided free of charge to organizers and visitors. KCC's underground garage provides parking for up to 70 cars during the day and up to 120 cars outside office hours. The KCC garage has recently been equipped with four charging stations for electric or hybrid vehicles.

Vestar is an investment project of Investar and aims to let people meet in green, in the middle of the city. We take that green literally, partly through our 2000m2 garden and partly through the ecological character of the building. This is CO2-free and is heated via a BEO field. Although the location is brand new, our professional team, together with partners, is ready to provide the support you need for your event. In addition to our regular caterers, we work with Blue Moon for everything audiovisual equipment and technology. The halls are standard highly technically equipped with all modern techniques and comfort. For specific needs you can count on Blue Moon.

The Lotto Arena, next to the "Sportpaleis", has not had to be inferior to its neighbor since it opened its doors in 2007. This multifunctional event hall not only hosts concerts and other shows but also top sports competitions. Companies can also go there for their B2B activities. You can benefit from the sports image and sports facilities of this hall, and you can set up events for up to 8,050 people. The hall in arena form according to the black box concept offers greater intimacy than the Sportpaleis. For smaller activities, you can go to the Lotto Suites or the adjacent Hospitality Center, which in turn is connected to the Sportpaleis.

The Sportpaleis, the largest and most popular event hall in Belgium and a household name far beyond its borders, is part of be-at. The story begins with the Sportpaleis and then the Lotto Arena. This was followed by the acquisitions of Ethias Arena and Congrestheater (now the Trixxo Arena and Trixxo Theater) in Hasselt in January 2012, of Vorst Nationaal in Brussels in October 2013 and of Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen and Capitole Gent in January 2014. Since April 2019, be-at has been part of the international Live Nation Entertainment, which has more than 200 concert halls worldwide. The most recent initiative of be-at is the launch of the Proximus Pop-Up Arena in Middelkerke.

The BluePoint business center in Antwerp is a vibrant, business hub in a green patch of the city. Immerse yourself in our professional, green surroundings and make all your business and private events an unparalleled success. The business & conference center is located just 10 minutes from Berchem station. Good accessibility by car or public transport is guaranteed. Parking facilities can be found both above and below ground and there is no lack of sustainability. Electric charging stations are available on site, and for the sports enthusiasts who come by bicycle we provide a covered bicycle shed (and showers!). At BluePoint you'll find 25 meeting rooms, housed in a classic and impressive building. The rooms are suitable for a whole range of events. Meetings and conferences are the most obvious ones, but we also organize other events with great care. Think of staff parties, team buildings, garden or wedding parties. Any event - business or festive - is in good hands with us and our event planners. You can invite up to 600 guests, more than enough to make it a spectacular event. Can it be really festive? Then the roof terrace with its panoramic view over Antwerp will undoubtedly enchant you. It is the eye-catcher of BluePoint Antwerp and lends itself to a wide range of events. Keep those afterwork drinks and summer barbecues coming! The BluePoint Antwerp business center is also the place to rent offices. Whether you are a start-up, scale-up or self-employed entrepreneur, we provide formulas tailored to your business and work situation. These range from private offices to coworking spaces or virtual offices. Our biggest asset? We take care of the logistics so you can focus on growing your business.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is so much more than an art collection with international appeal. We are not only responsible for the preservation, management and expansion of the collection. As the only Flemish museum with scientific status, we also conduct scientific research into the works, used techniques, color and imagery.... KMSKA manages a top collection of visual art from the Southern Netherlands from the 14th to the 20th century, supplemented by international masterpieces. In the grandeur of an inspiring historic building, we make this art tradition accessible to a wide audience. We share our knowledge on a human scale with stories that amaze, enrich and connect. Within traditions, we seek innovation. This is how we amaze. We challenge to (self)reflection. This keeps our heritage current and relevant. With our inspiring work, we enrich our visitors. In dialogue with visitors, we grow. We are a place of encounter. We connect people across generations and cultures.

DIVA is the museum for diamonds, jewelry and silver in Antwerp. The museum is located on a historic site: from the sixteenth century, the Grote Markt and surrounding streets were the place to be for those looking for objects made of gold, silver and precious stones. Lovers of dazzling luxury could marvel at the display windows of jewelers and silversmiths here. DIVA, a Brilliant Story Expand your knowledge and be amazed at DIVA, in the world of diamonds, jewelry and silver. In the revamped permanent exhibition "DIVA, a Brilliant Story," discover the different stages of a jewel or silverware; from the mine to the finished product. See how diamonds are mined, how silversmiths work and learn more about the art and use of these beautiful objects. Feast your eyes on 650 diamonds, jewelry and silver objects from the 15th century to today. The museum is located on an important historical site: Antwerp has been the diamond capital of the world for more than 575 years. From the 15th century, Antwerp's Grote Markt and surrounding streets were the place to be for those in Europe looking for objects made of gold, silver and precious stones. Dive into that history and discover the stories and objects from Antwerp's heyday to today. Come along and be amazed!

The sewers, otherwise known as the Ruien, are a shadow of the rich history above ground. Sewers, streams and fortifications have crisscrossed Antwerp ever since the Middle Ages. This network of both natural and man-made waterways provided the city with water and an internal harbour. When the sewers were turned into covered drains this unique piece of heritage disappeared both from view and from our memories. You can now rediscover this hidden patrimony. The subterranean network of passages still gives us an idea of its rich and exciting past. A visit to the Ruien, with its old vaults, canals, bridges, sewers and drains reflects the historic city centre above you, with plenty of interesting facts and curious anecdotes from a distant and more recent past. We take you on a strange walk deep in the belly of Antwerp! The city of Antwerp has entrusted the management of the Ruien to Werkmmaat vzw, a social employment project. They have provided a new impetus to the Ruien, by investing in the service, infrastructure and experience.

A boat tour in the Port of Antwerp is not just a bit of floating around. It's an experience, a sensation, a 'wow-feeling', a moment that you have to experience and that you love to share with friends and family. A cruise with the Flandria boat is the perfect way to discover Antwerp and its world port in a different way. We offer a full range of various harbor tours starting and arriving at London Bridge, on the 'Eilandje'. This is the hippest neighborhood in Antwerp with the MAS, Red Star Line museum and the New Port House within walking distance. Our boat tours can also be combined with a delicious breakfast, a tasty lunch or one of the many sweet delicacies during our afternoon cruise. And more ecological than ever because we mainly use products from our region! Be sure to check out our range of themed cruises. A sunset at the Candlelight cruise or quiet relaxation during the Lazy Sunday Lunch cruise. And what could be more fun than our 'pancake boat'? Nothing beats a fun harbor tour combined with freshly baked pancakes and various toppings. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Two million passengers made the crossing from Antwerp to North America aboard the steamships of the Red Star Line. Their story, that of the shipping company that transported them and that of the city and the port from which they departed, are central to the Red Star Line Museum’s main exhibition. In the Red Star Line Museum you follow the path of the emigrants. From their departure from their country of origin, through their long journey and their temporary stay in Antwerp, to the crossing and their arrival in their new homeland of America or Canada. The Red Star Line Museum in a nutshell The Red Star Line Museum invites you on an eventful journey following in the footsteps of the emigrants. Become acquainted with the passengers and accompany them on the trip from their native village to Antwerp. The ocean steamers of the Red Star Line are docked on the quay ready to depart for the New World. Exciting and personal stories accompany you across the ocean. On the other side of the ocean you say goodbye to your fellow passengers. With their whole life packed in a few suitcases, millions of people sailed from Europe to America after 1800. The United States and Canada were the promised land for fortune seekers and everyone looking for a better life. For many people, the trip to the New World began in a warehouse in Antwerp. Red Star Line ocean steamers paved the way to a new life for about two million men, women and children between 1873 and 1934. High expectations and deep disappointments The historic sheds that belonged to the legendary shipping company with the red star in its flag currently house the Red Star Line Museum. The museum tells the story of the millions of Europeans who were courageous enough or desperate enough to leave their old life behind and look for a better existence. Via an emotional rollercoaster of high expectations and deep disappointments, racing adrenaline and sleepless nights, the dream becomes a reality for some of them. The former harbour sheds that belonged to the Red Star Line are the perfect place to make the stories of countless passengers palpable and visible. Their dreams and complaints are brought to life in this inspiring environment. A visit to the Red Star Line Museum involves both a journey to the past and an encounter with the present. Migration might have a different face these days, but the human side of migration is timeless and universal.

On the ground floor, you can find MoMu’s new Collection presentation, which looks back at four decades of Belgian fashion, along with a selection from the museum’s historic collection. The exhibition reviews the key protagonists of Belgian fashion, based on topics characterising the unique nature of the MoMu collection. Both the Collection presentation and the introductory documentary start with the age-old question: “what does the ‘Belgian’ and ‘Antwerp’ fashion label mean today?” In order to show as much as possible from the MoMu collection and create room for new stories, the exhibition will rotate on an annual basis. This means that it’s certainly worth a regular visit to the Collection presentation and it will never fail to surprise you. In addition, the large exhibition area on the first floor has been updated, with a smaller exhibition area added on the ground floor too. Both halls will be taken up by temporary exhibitions on fashion-related themes or designers at least twice a year. A characteristic feature of the temporary exhibitions is the compelling scenography. As a visitor, you are not just welcomed inside the exhibits, you are submerged in the universe of a designer or theme. The space is fully transformed with each new exhibition. This makes every visit a unique experience.

FOMU is one of the most prestigious and leading photography museums in Europe. As an open house, we like to open a dialogue with our public. FOMU collects and manages unique collections of photographic images, equipment and books. FOMU creates ambitious exhibitions that contextualise and connect. FOMU is an ambassador of both local young talent and established photographers. FOMU inspires and enriches. FOMU is the meeting place for photography in Belgium. It is an open house where a diverse and broad section of the public feels welcome, involved, surprised and inspired, and where they are encouraged to create and to engage in dialogue. FOMU is an inclusive museum that comes forward and strives for social relevance and impact. Innovation, education and quality form the core of our goal of public mediation and they run as a common thread throughout our offerings.

“Grote Markt” originally was a forum or square just outside the medieval residential quarter. In 1220 Duke Henry I of Brabant (1165-1235) donated this community land to the city. The name Merckt was used for the first time in 1310. Around this time the first annual markets or foren van Brabant (Brabant fairs) were organised. Here English merchants would do business with Italians, Spaniards and merchants from the Northern German Hanseatic cities as well as from Southern Germany and Flemings of course. At the end of the fifteenth century Antwerp overtook Bruges as the most prominent city of the Low Countries. The town hall is the beating heart of Antwerp politics. The impressive building is one of the eye-catchers at the “Grote Markt” along with the statue of Brabo. Antwerp’s town hall was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1999. Antwerp’s town hall is of capital cultural importance as it is one of the first examples of Renaissance architecture in the Low Countries. The building has a long and colourful history and has been in use since the sixteenth century. There is plenty to see on the outside and inside of the city’s stateliest building. The Renaissance façade, the magnificent halls, and several artworks. The façade is decorated with the flags of the 28 countries of the European Union, in addition to flags of all the countries that have a consulate in Antwerp.

Visitors to Antwerp have been flocking to the hip Eilandje district, an old dockside neighbourhood, to visit the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom, which opened in 2011. This is where the city and the port – the second largest port in Europe even – converge. The stunning architecture and the museum collection are perfect examples of this. From the port to life and death The MAS has a phenomenally large collection, which to date comprises about 500,000 items, including artworks and utensils. New objects are constantly being added to the collection. The museum uses its entire collection to weave a new narrative, based on five universal themes, on just as many floors. The MAS takes a closer look at power politics and world ports. At how food shaped and will shape today’s metropolises in the past, present and future. And at life and death, of people and gods, in the upper and under world. Moreover, the third floor and the walking boulevard host some fascinating and highly diverse temporary exhibitions. But above all, the MAS excels at connecting all these stories. This is not your typical museum, where you walk from display case to display case. Instead all the stories engage with each other, thanks to the way in which the floors have been arranged and are connected with each other. Ensuring you understand Antwerp and the world a bit better at the end of your visit. A museum that breaks out of its own walls Visiting the MAS means exploring the building from the bottom to the top. As you make your way up the escalators to the next floor, you discover that the museum is actually much greater than the building. Gradually Luc Tuymans’s hidden artwork “Dead Skull” also becomes visible. But Antwerp also reveals itself to your gaze. En route to the panoramic roof terrace, the city, the Scheldt and the port loom even larger, culminating in a stunning view at 60 metres above sea level. Don’t forget to also take some time and explore the Eilandje after visiting the MAS. Discover what else this hip part of Antwerp, which still feels very much like a port neighbourhood, has to offer.

Het Steen is a medieval fortress in the old city centre of Antwerp, Belgium, one of Europe's biggest ports. Built after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages as the first stone fortress of Antwerp, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest building and used to be its oldest urban centre. Previously known as Antwerpen Burcht (fortress), Het Steen gained its current name in around 1520, after significant rebuilding under Charles V. The rebuilding led to its being known first as "'s Heeren Steen" (the King's stone castle), and later simply as "Het Steen" (the stone castle). The Dutch word "steen" means "stone", and is used for "fortress" or "palace", as in the "Gravensteen" in Ghent, Belgium. The fortress made it possible to control the access to the Scheldt, the river on whose bank it stands. It was used as a prison between 1303 and 1827. The largest part of the fortress, including dozens of historic houses and the oldest church of the city, was demolished in the 19th century when the quays were straightened to stop the silting up of the Scheldt. In 1890 Het Steen became the museum of archeology and in 1952 an annex was added to house the museum of Antwerp maritime history, which in 2011 moved to the nearby Museum Aan de Stroom. Here is also a war memorial to the Canadian soldiers in World War II. At the entrance bridge to the castle is a statue of a giant and two humans. It depicts the giant Lange Wapper who used to terrorise the inhabitants of the city in medieval times.

The most fun adventure in Antwerp? A tour through our City Brewery! That is not only a must-see, but especially a must-do due to the countless interactive experiences. No, you do not have to follow a guide: you do this visit at your own pace. Moreover, before and during your visit we treat you to a perfectly tapped tasting. So put our tour on your bucket list, or better yet: come experience it immediately!

The Port House is an architectural jewel and undoubtedly one of the most amazing and high-profile eye-catchers of the Antwerp skyline. It is the head office of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and the workplace for 500 of its staff. The renowned Zaha Hadid Architects firm delivered this astonishing masterpiece in 2016, as befitting a world port like Antwerp, and a symbolic gateway to the port area. At the Port House, the past and future of the port of Antwerp and Bruges come together. The lower part used to be a fire station at the far end of the harbour. During the renovation, this beautiful barracks has been preserved and now this place is designated to be the beginning of the extensive port area. There is no clearer symbol of the growth of the port of Antwerp and Bruges. The new part is poised above the historic fire station like a glittering diamond, with its tip pointing towards the Scheldt like the prow of a ship. The glass superstructure reflects the varying shades of port, water and air. The flat and rippling surfaces, alternating between each other, represent the waves of the Scheldt. The glistening diamond is a clear reference to the Antwerp diamond trade. This is a metaphor for the port of the 21st century: a port with a rich past, ready for the future. As a whole, it delivers a lovely example of spectacle architecture, characteristic of Zaha Hadid, a renowned British architect hailing from Iraq. Zaha Hadid has built striking buildings all over the world, including the Guangzhou opera house in China, the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. The building is breathtaking on the inside too, thanks to a fascinating interplay of lines to be found on every floor, and gorgeous panoramic views. Would you like to take a look inside this eye-catcher on the Antwerp skyline? Or would you like to admire the port and city from a breathtaking perspective? Then pay a visit to the Port House and find out all about the daring architecture and how the port works.

The Hofkamer (The Courtly Ceremonial Chamber) is a stunning building in the garden of the historical site Den Wolsack (meaning bag of wool). The original heart of the structure goes back all the way to the 16th century and has since then been used for a variety of purposes. The task of renovating the Hofkamer was bestowed upon an anonymous architect by the merchant Adriaan Van den Bogaert and his wife Maria Anna Roggens in the year 1772. The façade was moved one metre to the front and was decorated with the newest designs. It became a sumptuous reception hall which displayed the wealth, luxury and status of the proprietors. The crowning glory of the Hofkamer is undoubtedly the majestic ceiling painting Gods of the mountain Olympus. This canvas was painted by an anonymous artist in 1772. Its placement in the Hofkamer was commissioned by a merchant’s family. With its surface of 65 m2 it has been named the largest canvas ceiling painting in western Europe! The first floor houses the renowned toilet of books. It was the most luxurious lavatory of its time. The room was moulded precisely after a real library, which is why the unrecognisable toilet bowl looks like a pile of books. Both of these highlights are unique heritage features in Belgium.

Next to Antwerp's Central Station, one of the most beautiful in the world, another tourist attraction awaits you. ZOO Antwerp is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe. Step inside through the gate and enjoy an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. The beautiful gardens, the characterful listed buildings and, of course, the animals: it is the perfect setting for a fun trip with your family or friends or for a romantic day out with your partner. Of course, the animals play the leading role in the ZOO. In the Valley of the Great Apes you walk among the gorillas and chimpanzees. In the Savannah you admire a herd of Cape buffalo and lots of beautiful birds. Thanks to the huge size of the window of the Rifaquarium, you are among the fish and corals. Penguins, giraffes, hippos, lions, butterflies, koalas ... you will find them all in the ZOO. Finally, don't forget the Skywalk. There you will enjoy a panoramic view of the historic garden. Fancy a bite or a drink? Scattered around ZOO Antwerpen you will find several cozy places to eat and drink something. Finger food at Grand Café Flamingo, lunch at the Savanne restaurant, ice cream at Latteria ... what do you choose? Of course, you can also bring your own picnic.

Chocolate Nation directly opposite Central Station is the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, entirely devoted to Belgian chocolate. By the way, did you know that Belgium's very first chocolate factory opened in Antwerp in 1831? These days, there's a chocolate shop on pretty much every street corner. Chocolate Nation tells the story of Belgian chocolate. A place packed with experiences and tales of chocolate brands and chocolatiers. It will give you a unique insight into Belgian chocolate traditions and innovations. You will start your experience in the jungle, to then end up in the Port of Antwerp. You will see how a life-size, mobile, imaginary machine makes Belgian chocolate and discover why Belgian chocolate is so famous. Needless to say, there are lots of opportunities for tasting too. In short, not to be missed if you love chocolate. Chocolate Nation has its own bean-to-bar atelier where the chocolatiers roast selected cocoa beans and process them into chocolate. This chocolate is then processed in the atelier into all kinds of homemade chocolate products. Visitors can see the chocolatiers at work in the atelier during the tour in the museum. Chocolate Nation also organises workshops for groups on request or for individuals on a number of fixed dates during the year. In addition, thematic workshops are also regularly organised.

Literary history at the Letterenhuis In its permanent exhibition, the Letterenhuis tells a story about Flemish literature in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum invitingly opens the door to the vast collections of letters, diaries and manuscripts. Not only can you set off in search of the great stories, but you can also discover the smaller stories about how literature is created, how a text is refined and polished and how differences of opinion occur. But you will not just discover how writers set to work and how literary texts are created. The Letterenhuis also tells the story of a changing world and how literature relates to that. Both what is happening in a writer’s immediate surroundings and everything going on in the wider world can be a source of inspiration. The Letterenhuis tells stories about the relationship between literature and reality, about art and involvement, about tradition and innovation, about protest and avant-garde ideas, and about old and new values. Manuscript collection In the Letterenhuis you can view a choice selection from the vast collection of manuscripts. There is the manuscript of Paul van Ostaijens’s charming poem ‘Marc groet ‘s morgens de dingen’ and there are also the manuscripts of dozens of other older and more modern classic Flemish texts, including De Kapellekensbaan by Louis Paul Boon, Kaas by Willem Elsschot and Ten oorlog by Tom Lanoye. There are also many others, by such writers as Guido Gezelle, Karel van de Woestijne, Hendrik Conscience, Cyriel Buysse, Jef Geeraerts and Herman de Coninck, for example. Of course, there is much more to discover than just manuscripts and letters. Beautiful photos, posters, paintings and sculptures provide a fresh view of both well-known and lesser-known artists. And image and sound fragments bring Flemish writers to life. Recent literature The emphasis of the exhibition is on the post WW II period. A story about form experiment, protest movements and literature is told using the work of, among others, Ivo Michiels, Hugo Claus, Paul Snoek, Walter van de Broeck, Leonard Nolens, Kristien Hemmerechts, Lieve Joris, Paul Mennes, Tom Lanoye and Peter Verhelst. The Letterenhuis offers a general view of Flemish literature, from Conscience’s notes for De Leeuw van Vlaenderen to the literature of the digital era.

The Maidens' House is a former orphanage for girls, called 'maegdeckens'. Inside the beautiful building, visitors can discover the history of orphan girls and the care for the poor in Antwerp. The rich art collection, with works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, fits in suprisingly well with that story. On the Mechelsplein, one of Antwerp's hippest squares, you'll find the Maagdenhuis (Maidens' House). This mighty building, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, impresses with its stately facade and surprises with its beautiful courtyard. Until 1882, the Maidens' House was a girls' orphanage. Orphans were educated here, and they also learned to sew, make lace and carry out household chores. One of the showpieces of the art collection is the unique collection of porridge bowls made from polychrome Antwerp ceramic - the forerunner of Delftware. However, the collection is extremely rich in variety: paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, an oil painting panel from 1500 with The Seven Works of Mercy,... It also contains the 17th-century 'Houten Clara', the wooden sculpture that inspired the Flemish novelist Hendrik Consience to write his eponymous novel.

In addition to the sculptures in the Middelheim Museum park, which give an overview of more than one hundred years of sculpture, the museum also regularly hosts solo and group exhibitions, as well as developing themed exhibitions with sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection. The park itself is also a prime example of landscape art.

During his short life, Fritz Mayer van den Bergh (1858-1901) collected some 3,000 works, among which ‘Mad Meg’ (‘Dulle Griet’) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. After his sudden death in 1901, his mother Henriette was left with her son’s unfulfilled dream: to open a museum devoted to his breath-taking collection. When you visit the Museum Mayer van den Bergh today you will enter a world full of paintings, altarpieces, sculptures, manuscripts and tapestries. Each one displayed in an atmospheric interior, full of delicate little art treasures. You will feel Fritz’s enthusiasm and expert eye and his mother’s unconditional love for her son.

Walk into the printing office and house of the Plantin-Moretus family as if you were a friend of theirs who was visiting them 400 years ago. Discover the magic of the Museum Plantin-Moretus: in the mansion and printing press; in the rooms and the studio; in letters and typography; in beautiful books. Experience how, long before our digital age, words and images were spread around the world. The Museum Plantin-Moretus presents three hundred years of book printing, art and family history. You can admire the oldest printing presses in the world and a rich collection of art, including portraits by Rubens. In the library you will find manuscripts, incunabula and original prints. And the archives also tell you about daily life in both the printing works and the mansion. Who on earth was Plantin? Christopher Plantin was an intellectual with a flair for business. Shortly before 1550, he moved from France to Antwerp. Five years later he started his own printing press, which he built into the largest in the world. Plantin was the progenitor of nine generations who would go on to live and work in the Officina Plantiniana. Jan Moerentorf worked his way up from bookshop assistant to Plantin’s right-hand man. In 1570, he married Plantin’s second daughter, Martina. He latinised his name to ‘Moretus’. After Plantin’s death in 1589, he ran the Officina Plantiniana until 1610. The Moretus family cherished their printing works, which had become a part of Antwerp’s heritage. The last owner, Edward Moretus, sold the house to the city of Antwerp in 1876. Following renovation work, the Museum Plantin-Moretus opened to the public on 19 August 1877. The Museum Plantin-Moretus today: more alive than ever Fancy an unusual adventure? Discover the amazing story of the publisher Christopher Plantin and his in-laws, the Moretus family. Inhale the scents of wood, leather, ink and wisdom. Enjoy the stillness of the courtyard garden, the creaking of the wooden floors and the industriousness at one of the oldest printing presses in the world. You can experience film interventions, soundscapes and a space where you can set to work yourself: the house, the printer’s workshop and the Plantin-Moretus family will come to life even more fully than was the case in the past. Young and old, type freaks and bookworms alike will all enjoy the guided tours, exhibitions and workshops.

Under the title ‘Sounds of the City’, Museum Butchers’ Hall brings 800 years of music and dance back to life. With instruments, prints, texts and models, the museum tells the stories of musicians, carillonneurs, opera singers, instrument makers and dancers. The collection opens up the world behind the music. Sounds of the City Museum Butchers’ Hall introduces you to the musical past and present of the city, while aiming to be more than just a traditional instrument museum. With the ‘Sounds of the City’, the museum not only displays a varied range of musical instruments, but also lets you hear and experience the music. Music from the street, from the dance houses, from the bell tower, from churches or from concert halls,… The Museum Butchers’ Hall celebrates all sounds. Music studios and stages Without instrument makers and scores there is no music, and without a stage there is no audience. That’s why you’ll discover how music printing started and you’ll have a peek inside an instrument workshop and at the opera and concert halls of yesteryear, such as the Almoezenierstheater and the Bourla. Musical life ‘Sounds of the City’ wants to tell the broad story behind the music. After all, music still plays an important role in the social life of the city. It was used by the church and the army during feasts and parades and it brought not only amusement but also structure to everyday life.

Antwerp’s Cathedral is a magnificent example of the Late Gothic style of architecture. The church was built between 1352 and 1521, a period of unprecedented social and economic change in Europe that paved the way for Antwerp’s rise. Notes regularly emanate from the magnificent carillon in the tower, which is also the city’s belfry. Interestingly enough, the city’s building regulations stipulate that no building may be taller than the 123-metre Cathedral of Our Lady. The Antwerp cathedral is an enormous source of pride for locals, who consider this landmark a beacon and the ‘world’s most beautiful tower’.

In the shadow of the Museum aan de Stroom, you will find Portopolis. There, you can discover the port of Antwerp-Bruges from the heart of the city through an interactive exhibition! Since its opening in 2010, the Harbour Pavilion at the MAS has attracted more than 500,000 visitors. High time for a refurbishment! The pavilion was given a new, digital and interactive look and was renamed Portopolis for the occasion. Experience and interaction are central.

In the Rubens House in Antwerp Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) is your personal host. Rubens, one of the greatest artists of all time, lived in this house with his first and second wives and their children. This is where he painted in his majestic studio, together with his colleagues. This is where he strolled in the garden and philosophised with his friends. This is where he cherished his incomparable art collection. This is where he died in 1640. In his house, Rubens reveals who he really was: painter, art collector, father, friend and architect – he designed the majority of this ‘palazzo’ on the Scheldt himself. An intense experience awaits you in the Rubens House, where you’ll be welcomed as if you really were a guest of Rubens. Impressive palace in the city Around 1610, two years after his return from Italy, the young Rubens bought a house with a large plot of land in the most attractive part of Antwerp. Rubens had the house rebuilt to his own design and expanded it into an Italian ‘palazzetto’, modelled on the small palaces of his personal idol Raphael. Rubens’ house made quite an impression on his contemporaries. ‘His home will raise the amazement of strangers, the admiration of travellers,’ said the Antwerp city secretary in 1620. Joys and sorrows Rubens lived here with his first wife Isabella Brant, and after her death with his second wife Helena Fourment. His children grew up here and played in the beautiful garden, which is still a wonderful oasis of peace in the bustling city centre. Burning with ambition Rubens, himself immensely popular and seen as a celebrity, opened his doors to royal guests, such as the French Queen Maria de Medici and the Archdukes Albrecht and Isabella. Numerous important clients also came to visit. The studio was always buzzing with activity. And at the peak of his fame, Rubens couldn’t handle the work alone. He ran a studio of accomplished artists who worked in his style. His most famous, and undoubtedly most talented, collaborator was Anthony van Dyck. More than a museum The Rubens House is more than just a museum. Today, you will, of course, discover a collection of the finest works of Rubens himself, his colleagues and his contemporaries. But unlike an ‘ordinary’ museum, you will be able to come very close to Rubens himself in the Rubens House. It takes very little imagination to be able to picture him in his studio, having dinner with his wife and children or strolling in the garden.

Built in 1928, the cinema was named after its builder, the Italian brick barber Jean-Baptiste Romeo and his wife Ludvina Malev. With its 2,000 seats, it was for a long time the largest cinema in Antwerp. Well-known figures have also performed there: Gaston Berghmans, Leo Martin, Charles Janssens, Co Flower, Mireille Mathieu and Zarah Leander. In the 1970s it became one of Belgium's rock and pop temples with performances by Lou Reed, Cliff Richard, The Shadows, Marvin, Welch & Farrar, Olivia Newton-John, Iggy Pop, Paul McCartney, Nils Lofgren and Ry Cooder. The venue closed in 1982, but culture buffs dreamed of reviving The Roma. In 2002, the building was recognized as a monument and a group of volunteers undertook the renovation. The hall was not yet fully renovated, but on May 15, 2003, a musical opening show took place anyway. The hall was only open part of the year, but in three years it received 115,000 visitors,[source] and since the spring of 2006 it has again been open year-round for cultural activities, festive events, concerts of various genres, dance afternoons, folk balls, fairs, lectures, film screenings and children's flea markets. In 2007, Roma vzw was awarded the Ark Prize of the Free Word for its cultural frontline work and the social support that was built in a neglected multicultural neighborhood. On Open Monument Day Sept. 13, 2015, De Roma was reopened after a thorough restoration in which 2.8 million euros were invested. The building won the Flemish Heritage Award and the public award in 2016. In 2017, it received Het Schoonste Gebouw, a monument award from the city of Antwerp, for two years. In 2022, De Roma received 210,349 visitors, its highest number ever. It employs over 600 volunteers in addition to some 30 permanent staff.

Located in the popular St. Andrew’s quarter in Antwerp, you’l find the. St. Andrew’s Church. This parish church was built in the 16th century by the Augustinians and contains a number of masterpieces from Antwerp’s artistic heritage, including the grand baroque main altar and the beautiful pulpit. In addition to the church building, St. Andrew’s Church was also set up as a church museum in 2007.

On the Antwerp Conscienceplein you might believe yourself to be in Italy for a moment. The grandiose facade of St. Charles Borromeo Church, the Rubens Church par excellence, commands attention! Although this typical baroque church is the work of the Jesuits, Peter Paul Rubens played an important role as co-designer and painter for the decoration of the facade and the crowning of the tower. The Jesuits built St. Charles Borromeo Church between 1615 and 1621. Inside you will discover the apse of the main altar, the chapel of the Virgin Mary and the many sculptures and wood carvings, all testimony to its former splendour. In addition to its magnificent treasures and works of art, this beautiful baroque church in Antwerp also holds some secrets underground. So be sure to visit the crypt, the sacristy and the underground canals of Antwerp, better known as The Ruien.

Not far from the Meir in Antwerp you will find St. James’ Church, which was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. This Gothic church is not only the starting point for pilgrims who are on a pilgrimage to the tomb of the apostle James in Santiago de Compostela. The Antwerp Saint James’ Church is also famous for the tomb of Peter Paul Rubens. This is where the painter found his final resting place. Did you know that Rubens himself chose the painting for the altar? His own Our Lady Surrounded by Saints.

Just a stone’s throw from the Scheldt, in Antwerp’s old city centre, you will find St. Paul’s Church. This district used to be the home of sailors. St. Paul’s Church was a monastery church of the Dominicans and was originally built in the 16th century. After a fire in the 17th century, St. Paul’s Church received a new baroque tower. The beautiful interior is mainly built in the baroque style. In addition to the impressive interior, you can also admire countless works of art in St. Paul’s Church, by painters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens. St. Paul’s Church in Antwerp is therfore definitely worth a visit!

Curious about life in the 16th and 17th centuries? Do you like to peek in through your neighbours’ windows? Do you like to find surprises behind the closed doors of previously inhabited rooms? If so, Nicolaas and Frans are your ideal hosts, who’ll share all of their secrets with you. Can you visit the 16th and 17th centuries in a modern way? Yes, you can. You’ll have a memorable time going round the Snijders&Rockox House with the help of iPads, interactive screens and fascinating films. And don’t forget the delightful enclosed garden, where you can rest a moment and enjoy the sounds of the city. The Snijders&Rockox House is comprised of two historical homes that now serve as a museum, but their architectural prestige and Renaissance splendour are as surprising as ever. It is located on Keizerstraat, which is Antwerp’s former residential district. Together with the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe (Our Lady’s) House opposite and the Emperor’s Chapel (Keizerskapel) further up the street, they are a reminder of the fascinating 17th century.

The museum, located at Ernest van Dijckkaai 7, in the historic center of the city of Antwerp, is in an apartment complex called "De Rede". This building dates from 2000, a design by the "Antwerps Architecten Atelier", and is situated on the site formerly occupied by the offices of shipping companies dealing with inland navigation on the Rhine and other major rivers. The name Museum De Reede is inspired as much by this historical background as by the name of the building complex. It is, coincidence or not, a great sign of kinship to have another museum as a neighbor, the Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum, located in "Het Redershuis," headquarters of the "Royal Belgian Shipowners Association. With the 16th-17th century in mind, era of the rise of international shipping in the Low Countries, the writing of the time was chosen, of the place where ships anchored to get ready for a journey usually full of adventure. Get carried away at Museum De Reede in an adventure full of art.

"Den Botaniek" is in bloom all seasons. Nowhere else in Antwerp will you find so many species of herbs and plants together. Strolling along the winding paths along the flower beds, you forget the busy city, even though it is nearby. "Den Botaniek" breathes the atmosphere of the past. Originally, the garden with its medicinal herbs belonged to the adjacent Sint-Elisabeth hospital. Thanks to the efforts of doctor and botanist Claude-Louis Sommé, the garden became an important domain for scientific research. Today you will find some 2,000 plant species. With the help of the name signs, you can easily refresh your plant knowledge. Take a stroll while shopping and enjoy the full sun next to the greenhouse with cacti. Or catch your breath in the shade under one of the special trees. During exam periods, "Den Botaniek" is popular with students, who perch in the grass with their textbooks. If you get hungry, you can have lunch in style on the adjacent terrace. Pharmacist Peter van Coudenberghe (1517-1599) laid out a unique herb and plant garden for the adjacent St-Elisabeth Hospital. More than 600 different plants he used to prepare medicines. This botanical garden still exists today. The collection of herbs currently numbers some 2,000, several of which are protected by law. The greenhouse houses a large collection of cacti and exotic plants. In the garden itself are beautiful trees and shrubs and a sea of flowers. The pond and frog pool were recently completely renovated. Just in front of the frog pool you will find the artwork "Greening II," donated by artist Monique Donckers. The original shooting gallery was also given a new look. In 2020, former city poet Peter Holvoet-Hanssen renamed "Den Botaniek" the "Garden of Poets," a green oasis that regularly provides the backdrop for poetry initiatives. Many locals like to nestle there among the colorful flowers and plants with a good book. Den Botaniek is fun for readers, but also for writers. For numerous poets, fauna is an important source of inspiration. On the blog 'Poesia Botanica' Bert Bevers collects poems linked to flowers, herbs and plants growing in "Den Botaniek". In short: a poetic collection as a fitting anthology to the little park. Discover this piece of green in a unique way and read poems about the various flowers and plants that bloom there.

The theater was commissioned by the city and designed in 1827 by city architect Pierre Bruno Bourla. Construction was started in 1829, but was delayed by the Belgian Revolution. The Paris studio of Humanité René Philastre and Charles-Antoine Cambon was commissioned to decorate the interior and build the theater machinery. The theater was finally completed in 1834 and opened on Sept. 1 of that year under the name Grand Théâtre or "Théâtre Royal Français", after the French-language company that played in it. In 1865 the interior first underwent significant renovations, increasing its capacity from 1,300 to 2,000 seats. Subsequent renovations took place in 1904 and 1913. In 1933, the theater changed its name from "Théâtre Royal Français" to "Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg", after the city company of the same name that housed it. In 1980, the "Bourlaschouwburg" closed its doors. A renovation of both the interior and facades began in 1991, preserving the historically valuable theater machinery. The theater reopened in 1993, when Antwerp was Cultural Capital of Europe. Since 1994, the "Bourlaschouwburg" has housed Toneelhuis, which is a merger between the Antwerp companies "Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg" and "Blauwe Maandag Compagnie".

The MHKA is a museum for contemporary visual art, film and visual culture. It is an open meeting place of and for art, the artist and the public. The M HKA aspires to a pioneering role in Flanders and an international profile building on the Antwerp avant-garde tradition. The M HKA bridges the relationship between artistic and broad social issues, between the international and the regional, artists and the public, tradition and innovation, reflection and presentation. Central to this is the collection with acquisition, management and research. M HKA is a Cultural Heritage Institution of the Flemish Community.

On December 5, 1968, academy student Adriaan Raemdonck opened Galerie De Zwarte Panter. From 1970, the gallery moved into the chapel space of the former Saint Julian's guesthouse on the Hoogstraat in Antwerp. Fifty-five years later, the gallery in the old city center has grown into a monument, the oldest active gallery in the country, and an attraction for visual artists, musicians, writers, tourists and art lovers in general. In addition to exhibitions, it also hosts book screenings, film, concert, and recital evenings, among other events.

The Palace on the Meir is a palatial building in the commercial heart of Antwerp. It is an 18th-century Rococo gem with interesting style additions by later residents. You can visit this place during expos or rent it for special occasions. 1745: The wealthy merchant Johan Alexander van Susteren has three buildings demolished on Antwerp's Meir to erect his dream palace. However, he dies before the works are fully completed. Soon the building aroused the interest of Napoleon Bonaparte. He has the palace redecorated and embellished with French Empire furniture, but never stays there. When the palace is completed, he is in exile on Elba. The next owner is King William I of the Netherlands. He furnished the Hall of the XVII Provinces, but in 1830 the Belgian Revolution followed and a new royal house became the owner. Coveted by many, but occupied by few: the history of the Palace on the Meir remains fascinating!

The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library is located in the heart of Antwerp’s bustling city centre. The library has collected and preserved Flemish cultural heritage for over five centuries. In the Heritage Library’s reading room you can browse through more than 1.5 million items – from old prints of historical newspapers to recent publications. You can consult all items on paper, on microfilm or digitally. Just as impressive as the Heritage Library’s extensive, valuable and often unique collection is the Nottebohm Room. This beautiful, historic library space, which also serves as a book repository and an exhibition room, steals the heart of everyone who walks into it. You can discover this hidden gem during a public activity or guided tour. Collecting Flemish cultural heritage, preserving it and making it accessible to a broad current and future public: that has been the task and raison d’être of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library for decades now. With the careful development and preservation of its collections, the Heritage Library has one goal in mind: to share this wealth of information, knowledge and inspiration with the public of today and tomorrow. We are proud to call it our heritage. The origins of the Heritage Library and its collection date back to 1481. Today, more than 500 years later, the library preserves a collection that sits on 22 miles of book shelves.