Antwerp, a city where history isn’t just remembered but proudly displayed on every street corner, is a destination that captivates at every turn. In this ancient gem, museums in Antwerp are more than just buildings—they’re treasure chests overflowing with stories and art waiting to be discovered.
Furthermore, every museum in Antwerp serves as a portal to the past, seamlessly showcasing the city’s golden age alongside its vibrant contemporary art scene. For history buffs and art lovers alike, Antwerp offers endless opportunities to explore and lose themselves in the rich tapestry of stories and sights that make this city truly one of a kind.
So, while you’re in Antwerp, don’t rush! Take your time to visit some of our favorite museums—you’ll be amazed by what the city has in store for you.
Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Antwerp is a late Gothic church building. It was built between 1352 and 1521, a period when Antwerp was economically and socially at the top of Europe. The magnificent tower is the belfry of the city of Antwerp from which a beautiful carillon resounds at regular intervals.
During your stay, visit the cathedral and enjoy the great art collection of famous Flemish artists.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA)
After more than a decade of renovation, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is now open again. In the beautifully renovated building, you can admire a fantastic art collection in a completely new setting. In the historic rooms, you will find works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Van Eyck and can stand face to face with the stunning Madonna by Fouquet. Then, in the ten new contemporary rooms, you can discover the world’s largest collection of works by James Ensor, as well as works by Rik Wouters, Magritte, Modigliani and many more. This is one of our guide Joris’ favourite museums in Antwerp.
Museum Vleeshuis
(Temporarily closed!)
Museum Vleeshuis is a monumental former guild house (the butchers guild) located on Vleeshouwerstraat. The building dates from the early sixteenth century. Since 1913, it has been a museum of applied arts, including musical instruments. Since 2006, it has been entirely dedicated to 800 years of musical life in Antwerp and the Low Countries. A must visit for the music fanatic!
Snijders & Rockoxhuis
This museum is housed in two early 17th-century historic buildings. From 1603, the ‘Gouden Rinck’ was the residence of Nicolaas Rockox (1560 – 1640) which served as a museum from 1977 to 2017 and was named after him. After the collaboration with KMSKA and the Gulden Cabinet, ‘De Fortuyne’, the residence from 1620 of his neighbor and painter Frans Snijders was added to the museum and opened as the Snijders&Rockox house on Feb. 24, 2018.
Both houses enjoy the 17th-century cultural wealth and appearance of Antwerp and show traces as far back as the 16th century.
Red Star Line Museum
In the former warehouses of the Red Star Line shipping company, the voices of the many migrants who traveled to Antwerp from all over Europe with all of their belongings echo again. Here, on the banks of the Scheldt, they bought a one-way ticket with the destination of “a better life overseas.” The museum is a great representation of the mass migration to the United States of Amerika up until the bankruptcy of the company in 1934.
DIVA
Antwerp is known as the world’s capital of jewellers and diamonds. It’s only fitting that we have a museum showcasing the history (of over 550 years) of the goldsmith’s art. The museum showcases the production process from commodity to object in the store.
Erfgoedbibliotheek Hendrik Conscience
The custodial library of the city of Antwerp. It is named after the Flemish popular writer Hendrik Conscience, whose statue stands in front of the library. A book or journal that is included in the collection of the depository library normally remains available forever.
Visit this beautiful library that looks like a scene from a fantasy movie.
FOMU (Photography Museum)
The FOMU Antwerp is one of the leading photography museums in Europe and manages unique collections of photographic images, equipment and books. FOMU Antwerp brings several prestigious exhibitions every year and is an ambassador of young talent and established homegrown values.
MOMU (Fashion Museum Antwerp)
MoMu houses the largest collection of contemporary Belgian fashion in the world and stands out with its immersive fashion exhibitions and a permanent collection presentation.
Museum Mayer van den Bergh
The Museum Mayer van den Bergh immerses you in a very special, intimate, homely atmosphere. You will get to know a wonderful collection and the man who collected it all on his own. Enjoy the great collection of art including the world-famous Dulle Griet by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Rubens House
(Currently under construction!)
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), one of the greatest artists ever lived, lived in this house with his first and second wife, and their children. Here he painted in his majestic studio, along with his collaborators. In the garden he used to stroll around philosophizing with his friends. Today, his house is filled with his matchless art collection. This house is where he died in 1640.
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
The MAS has eight exhibition spaces and a collection of about 600,000 objects. The focus of the MAS is the connection between Antwerp and the world. History, art and culture of the port city of Antwerp, international trade and shipping, and art and culture from Europe, Africa, Asia, America and Oceania are the focus.
On the top floor you can enjoy a great panoramic view over the city!
Museum Plantin-Moretus
Museum Plantin-Moretus is the authentic home and studio of the printing family of the same name. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the world’s oldest printing presses, a magnificent art collection and a wonderful courtyard garden.
Upon entering the museum you’ll step into the 16th century when Antwerp was one of the richest and most popular cities in the world. According to our guide Laura, this is one of the best museums in Antwerp.