MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
About This Museum
Rising like a modern-day fortress from the old port district, the MAS is impossible to miss. I spent a whole afternoon getting lost in its spiraling journey through Antwerp's history, from its gritty diamond trade roots to its vibrant global connections today. The ascent through the stacked, glass-encased cubes is an experience in itself, with each turn revealing a new, thought-provoking exhibit. And let's be honest, the panoramic view from the rooftop—a 360-degree spectacle of the city and the river Scheldt—is worth the price of admission alone.
Collection Highlights
You'll find everything from intricate pre-Columbian artifacts to powerful contemporary art that tackles themes of power and life & death. One floor brilliantly traces the city's deep connection to the world via trade routes, while another showcases stunning collections of maritime history and folk art that feel incredibly alive.
Visitor Information
Heads up: entry to the rooftop terrace is free, which is a fantastic perk! The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, but definitely check their website for current hours as they can vary. It’s an easy walk from the city center and right by the rejuvenated docks, making it a perfect anchor for a day of exploring.
Architecture & Building
It's this stunning tower of red Indian sandstone and undulating glass, designed to look like a giant stack of boxes slightly twisted around a central axis. The wave-like patterns in the stone facade are meant to echo Antwerp's historic connection to water and trade.
Contact & Location
Address: Museum aan de Stroom, 1,3,5, Hanzestedenplaats, Nieuwstad-Cadix, Eilandje, Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, 2000, België / Belgique / Belgien
Phone: +32 3 338 44 00
Website: Visit Website
