Museum culture in Antwerp, Antwerp Province!

Grand Market Place (Grote Markt van Antwerpen)

Why Visit?

Morning Exploration: Grand Market Place (Grote Markt)

Start your day at the heart of Antwerp’s historical center, the Grand Market Place (Grote Markt van Antwerpen). This stunning square is surrounded by opulent guild houses and the imposing Renaissance city hall, making it a perfect spot for architecture enthusiasts. Catch the tram or bus to the "Groenplaats," from where it"s a short, picturesque walk to the square.

Begin your visit at the Brabo Fountain, right in the middle of the square. The statue tells the legend of the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, who defeated a giant terrorizing the city and cut off its hand, an act that, according to myth, gave Antwerp its name ("hand werpen" translates as "to throw a hand").

Midday Museums: House of Rubens and Antwerp’s Art Legacy

Just a five-minute walk from Grote Markt is the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp’s most famous son. The museum showcases Rubens’ works as well as pieces from his contemporaries, offering a deep dive into the Flemish Baroque period. Entry costs approximately €10, and it"s advisable to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.

From Rubenshuis, stroll over to the Museum Plantin-Moretus, about 10 minutes away on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the residence and printing establishment of the Plantin and Moretus families. Here, you can explore the world’s oldest printing presses and a remarkable collection of manuscripts and printed books.

Evening Wind Down: Local Cuisine and Reflection

To conclude your day, head back towards Grote Markt and settle into one of the local Belgian restaurants. Enjoy dishes like stoofvlees (a traditional Flemish stew) paired with a local Trappist beer, reflecting on a day immersed in Antwerp’s rich cultural tapestry.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Rubens House (Rubenshuis)

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting world of Peter Paul Rubens, one of the most celebrated painters of the Baroque era. Your cultural journey through the Rubens House (Rubenshuis) in Antwerp, Belgium, promises a deep dive into the life and works of this master artist.

Getting There

Rubenshuis is centrally located at Wapper 9-11, easily accessible by public transport. From Antwerp Central Station, take tram 11 towards Melkmarkt, disembarking at the Meir stop, from where the museum is just a short stroll away. Those who prefer a scenic route can take a 15-minute walk through the bustling shopping district of Meir.

Your Visit

Begin in the courtyard to admire the building"s architecture. Rubens designed this Italian-style villa himself, which was both his home and studio from 1610 until his death in 1640. As you enter, you"ll feel as though you"ve stepped back into the 17th century, where every corner tells a story.

Explore the art studio where Rubens created his masterpieces, and don"t miss the meticulously restored portico and the garden pavilion. The garden, a reconstruction based on historical drawings, reflects the classical symmetry and order that Rubens favored.

Inside, the museum houses an impressive collection of Rubens’ works, alongside pieces by his contemporaries and students. Key highlights include Rubens’ self-portrait and the famous "Adam and Eve." Each room of the house offers insights into his life, his family, and the vast network of intellectuals and artists he interacted with.

Interesting Fact

The Rubenshuis also displays items from Rubens’ own art collection, including works by Titian and van Dyck, giving you a glimpse into his influences and tastes.

Spend a few hours here to truly appreciate the genius of Rubens and the rich artistic heritage he left behind. Finish your visit at the museum shop, where you can pick up unique souvenirs inspired by Rubens" art and life.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Maasmechelen Village

Why Visit?

Immerse yourself in a unique blend of fashion, culture, and history with a day trip to Maasmechelen Village, not just a shopping destination but a locale steeped in fascinating industrial heritage. Located at the edge of the Hoge Kempen National Park in Belgium, this chic outlet village is easily accessible, just an hour"s drive from Brussels or a scenic train ride to Genk followed by a short bus transfer directly to the village.

Begin your cultural expedition at the Terhills Hotel, an elegant establishment housed in the former main building of the Eisden mine. Appreciate the historical architecture before delving into the Mining Museum, just a short stroll away. The museum offers a profound insight into the life of a miner and the evolution of mining through interactive displays and original artifacts. Learn about the tough working conditions and the camaraderie among workers that shaped the region’s social fabric.

After exploring the depths of mining history, return to Maasmechelen Village for a leisurely lunch at one of its chic cafes. Refreshed, embark on a guided tour available from the village center. The tour highlights the transformation of this industrial site into a luxurious shopping haven, blending modernity with heritage through its preserved architectural elements.

Conclude your visit by enjoying the open-air, village-style shopping with over 100 boutiques offering leading international brands. As you wander, admire the contemporary art installations scattered throughout, each narrating a story of culture meeting commerce.

Maasmechelen Village is not only a testament to Belgium"s retail prowess but also a celebration of its industrial past, making it a must-visit for those who cherish culture, history, and style.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Diamond District

Why Visit?

Diamond District Museum Tour Itinerary

Morning: Diamond Museum Antwerp

Begin your gem-studded journey at the Diamond Museum Antwerp (DIVA), a sparkling tribute to the city"s shimmering history. Located at Suikerrui 17-19, the museum is just a short walk from the central station. Start early to make the most of your visit; doors open at 10 AM.

Upon arrival, dive into the dazzling world of diamonds through interactive exhibits that showcase the journey from mining to the meticulous art of diamond cutting and trading, which has been synonymous with Antwerp for over 500 years. Don"t miss the Silvius Room, where you can marvel at an array of breathtaking jewels and artifacts.

Noon: Lunch at Fiskebar

For lunch, take a brief stroll to Fiskebar on Marnixplaats 12-13, known for its fresh, sustainable seafood—a perfect complement to your morning of luxury.

Afternoon: Diamond Pavilion at Antwerp Zoo

After lunch, make your way to the Diamond Pavilion at Antwerp Zoo, just next to the Central Station. Here, you’ll find a more intimate setting that delves into the scientific and cultural significance of diamonds. The Pavilion not only presents a unique collection of uncut diamonds and historical pieces but also provides insight into the zoo"s role in the conservation of natural resources.

Wrap Up: Browse through the Diamond District

Cap off your day with a leisurely walk through the nearby Antwerp Diamond District, where over 80% of the world"s rough diamonds pass through. Wander through this bustling market, and perhaps even treat yourself to a tangible memory at one of the many reputable diamond shops.

This tour offers not only a deep dive into the sparkling allure of diamonds but also a glimpse into the profound impact they"ve had on culture, commerce, and conservation in Antwerp.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Why Visit?

Ultimate Museum Tour: Discovering Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Begin your cultural journey at Antwerp’s iconic Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Eilandje. This modern architectural gem, adorned with red sandstone and curved glass, offers not just art but panoramic views of the city and the port, which is Europe’s second-largest.

Getting There: Reach MAS easily via public transport by taking tram 7 or bus 17, which stops right at the museum. If you prefer cycling, Antwerp’s bike-share program Velo offers convenient stations near the museum. For those driving, parking is available at Godefriduskaai.

Plan Your Visit: MAS is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Start your tour by purchasing tickets either online for convenience or at the museum. The fee includes access to most exhibitions, with occasional special exhibits requiring an additional ticket.

Engage with Exhibits: Explore ten floors of exhibition space, each telling a unique story. Begin with the Visible Storage on the second floor where over 180,000 objects are beautifully displayed, showcasing the immense collection not always visible in typical museum settings. Don"t miss the "Antwerp à la carte" on the sixth floor where the fascinating relationship between the city and food throughout history is explored.

Interesting Facts: MAS isn’t just a museum; it"s a cultural hub. The building itself is designed to resemble a 19th-century warehouse in nod to the site’s history as a port. Each floor is slightly twisted to create a dynamic spiral effect that guides visitors upwards.

Take a Break: After immersing yourself in culture, relax at the museum’s rooftop, offering stunning views of Antwerp and the Scheldt River. On the ground floor, the museum café provides a perfect spot for a quick refreshment or a local delicacy.

Complete your visit with a stroll around the surrounding area, where old docklands meet modern design, making your cultural tour an unforgettable experience.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.