Without a doubt, the most tasty museum in Antwerp is the Chocolate Museum. Located on the Koningin Astridplein, it is also one of the most central museums in the city. The official name of the museum is Chocolate Nation. This is a nod to the fact that Belgium is considered the global country of chocolate.
In the Chocolate Museum, you will learn about the production process of chocolate in an interactive way and, at the end, you will get the chance to taste several varieties. A must-visit for chocolate lovers.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 7
Artist Peter Paul Rubens lived in a large city palace in the centre of Antwerp. The Rubens Museum Antwerp, or the Rubens House, is located in this residence.
The grand master also had his studio at home, which makes a visit to this museum extra special. The Rubens House also houses works by other great Flemish painters.
Address: Wapper 9-11
This museum is also known by many as the Antwerp Museum of Contemporary Art, or the M HKA. You can visit the basic collection free of charge. The collection consists of contemporary visual arts, film and visual culture. The museum is housed in an old grain silo and you should should go simply for the special architecture. The museum is located in 'Het Zuid', a dynamic and artistic neighbourhood with many lively bars and restaurants.
Address: Leuvenstraat 32
Rubens House - ©Dave Van Laere
Antwerp has a history in which diamonds play a central role. Since the 16th century, you can find diamond merchants and goldsmiths in the city centre. It is the most important diamond city in the world.
The DIVA Diamond Museum Antwerp is an interactive museum, fun for young and old. You will go on a world tour through six different rooms. You will learn where diamonds come from, how a diamond is produced and how Antwerp has played an important role in the diamond trade for 550 years. Of course, there are also many diamonds to admire.
Address: Suikerrui 17/19
MAS Antwerp, aka Museum aan de Stroom, is a fairly new museum in Antwerp. It opened its doors in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular museums in the city. This is not surprising because not only the collection, but also the building itself, is very special. The collection consists of more than half a million objects related to art, cultural traditions and history of Antwerp. During your visit, do not forget to go up to the roof for a fantastic view of Antwerp!
Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1
MAS - ©Sarah Blee
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is a world-class museum. It houses famous works by old masters such as Rubens, Modigliani and Chagall. In addition, the museum has the largest collection of works by the Flemish modernist James Ensor. At the moment, the KMSKA is being rebuilt and is temporarily closed. The reopening of the Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is planned for 25 September 2022. A number of works of art can be seen at other locations, such as Cathedral of Our Lady and the Snijders & Rockox House.
You can view the renovation online.
Address: Leopold de Waelplaats 2
Antwerp is very accessible by train. From Amsterdam, Schiphol, Rotterdam and Breda you can travel directly to Antwerp. Take the Thalys or Intercity Brussels and you will be there in no time. A day trip to Antwerp to visit a museum is also a great option!
Book your train tickets to Antwerp
Antwerp is bursting with beautiful museums. A visit to the city is therefore not complete without having visited at least one museum. Want to know more? Here is a list of other museums in Antwerp:
Header photo at the top of this page: MoMu Fashion Museum ©Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres
Would you rather not travel very far for a great weekend getaway? Then Antwerp is for you. In the largest city in Flanders there is a broad range of things to do.
Zigzag through streets like Hopland and Schuttershofstraat, the trendy Kammenstraat and stately squares.