When visiting this historic city, the museums in Antwerp should definitely not be missing from your to do list. From modern works of art, chocolate tasting, the history of the diamond, to medieval paintings. Read about the best museums in Antwerp that you are worth a visit below.
1. Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen
As a museum for contemporary art, this museum is all about visual art, film and visual culture. The museum has more than 4,750 pieces from 700 different artists, both national and international. The museum also has a shop, library, archive and a café.
Address
Leuvenstraat 32, 2000 Antwerp
2. Chocolate Nation
Belgium and chocolate are inextricably linked. It is therefore no surprise that the chocolate museum is located here in Antwerp.
In no less than fourteen rooms, divided per theme, you will be taken along in the story of Belgian chocolate. From the cocoa plantations to the largest cocoa storage port in the world, here in Antwerp.
Traditions, history, brands and innovations are also discussed. And what you probably hoped for: you can of course also taste some delicious chocolate.
Address
Koningin Astridplein 7, 2018 Antwerp
3. Museum de Reede
Named after the apartment complex in which the museum is located, Museum de Reede includes the work of three masters: Francisco Goya, Félicien Rops and Edvard Munch.
Lithographs, etchings, wood prints, engravings and drawings from the 17th to the 21st centuries, in which mainly the human being is the subject.
Address
Ernest van Dijckkaai 7, 2000 Antwerp
4. Red Star Line Museum
The story of the Red Star Line goes back to the late 19th century, when two million passengers on steam ships made the crossing from Antwerp to North America.
In the Red Star Line Museum you learn everything about the city, the shipping company, the port and about the passangers lives.
Address
Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerp
5. Rubenshuis
Peter Paul Rubens, a versatile artist and collector, lived for many years in this city palace in Antwerp with his family. Much of his work originated here and has become the inspiration of artists and art lovers all over the world.
Address
Wapper 9-11, 2000 Antwerp
6. Museum Plantin-Moretus
The Plantin-Moretus museum is completely devoted to the the Plantin-Moretus family, who lived here 400 years ago and where their printing works were located.
Expect a beautiful property with information about the history of books and printing. You can also view the oldest printing presses in the world here.
Address
Vrijdagmarkt 22-23, 2000 Antwerp
7. Snijders&Rockoxhuis
An art history museum that was once home to Nicolaas Rockox; an important person in the political, social and cultural field. Here you will find art, furniture, ceramics, tapestries and a beautiful courtyard.
Address
Keizerstraat 12, 2000 Antwerp
8. Middelheimmuseum
Foto door Dennis Tyfus
A museum where you can have a quiet picnic, badminton game and where you can even walk your dog … It is all possible in the museum park of the Middelheim Museum, which is filled with beautiful sculptures.
Here you will find a collection of more than 200 sculptures, which all belong to the modern and contemporary art. This, in combination with the beautiful nature, is perhaps one of the coolest museums in Antwerp.
Address
Middelheimlaan 61, 2020 Antwerp
9. Museum Mayer van den Bergh
Fritz Mayer van den Bergh (1858-1901) was a large collector and responsible for moving top art pieces to Antwerp.
This museum in Antwerp is filled with paintings, drawings, tapestries and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, which Mayer van den Bergh has selected with his great taste and eye for quality.
Address
Lange Gasthuisstraat 19, 2000 Antwerp
10. Paleis op de Meir
Right in the center, on the corner of the Meir and the Wapper, you will find the Royal Palace on the Meir. Formerly the palace of Napoleon, King William I and King Leopold II, and since 2010 a palace with beautiful halls and lounges, open to visitors.
Address
Meir 50, 2000 Antwerp
11. Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
Foto: Ans Brys
The Museum aan de Stroom holds more than 500,000 objects that tell stories about art and cultural traditions from all over the world. The history of the city, the port, shipping and trade are all covered.
Address
Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp
12. FOMU
FOMU is the place for photography enthusiasts in Antwerp, where photography of the past, the present and the future come together. Every year there are changing exhibitions to visit and lectures and workshops are given.
Photography in the fields of fashion, journalism, science, families, advertising and much more can be found here.
Address
Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerp
13. Het Steen
Steen Castle is the oldest preserved building in Antwerp and the perfect place to learn more about the city. Visit Het Steen for information about the city and to view exhibitions.
Address
Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerp
14. Museum Vleeshuis
Foto: Dries Luyten
A long time ago, this was a place for slaughtering and selling animals. Now it is a beautiful museum where it’s all about music! All music history is covered, such as that of street musicians, theaters, operas.
Address
Vleeshouwersstraat 38/40, 2000 Antwerp
15. Diamantmuseum DIVA
Foto: Frederik Beyens
This gem has been an important part of Antwerp for hundreds of years. Visiting a museum dedicated to the diamond is therefore a must!
At DIVA you will learn everything about the diamond, its history, why the diamond center is located in Antwerp and you can take a look at the most beautiful diamonds and jewelry.
Address
Suikerrui 17/De Rubenszaal, 2000 Antwerp
