Museum aan de Stroom travel guide

The Museum aan de Stroom, fondly known as MAS, is a relatively recent addition to Antwerp's rich cultural landscape. It was officially opened in May 2011, replacing the old Hanzehuis museum. The idea for an innovative, modern museum was first proposed in the late 1990s, leading to a design competition that was won by the Dutch architectural firm Neutelings Riedijk Architects. Their unique design, resembling a stack of containers, was conceptualized to reflect Antwerp's status as a major world port.

Construction began in 2006 and took five years to complete. Today, the MAS stands as a beacon of knowledge, housing a vast collection of over 500,000 items that tell the story of Antwerp, its people, and its connections with the world. It is not just a museum, but a meeting place and a symbol of the city's proud heritage and vibrant future.

Museum aan de Stroom, or MAS as it is commonly known, stands out with its modern architecture. The building comprises ten stacked boxes rotated 90 degrees from the one below, allowing for stunning panoramic views of the city from the glass-enclosed stairwell. The reddish-brown stone used for the exterior, embedded with hands, is a nod to a local legend. The museum's collection, spread over several floors, is unique as it combines both historical and contemporary artefacts, reflecting Antwerp's rich past and vibrant present. A notable feature is the Visible Storage, where thousands of items not on display are kept behind glass for visitors to see. Lastly, the museum's location on the old docks, the Eilandje district, adds another layer of charm, bridging the gap between the city's maritime past and its revitalized present.

Located in the dynamic Antwerp, the popular Museum aan de Stroom is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Antwerpen or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Belgium.

Antwerpen is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Antwerpen offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Antwerpen and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, Park Spoor Noord, Rubenshuis, and Plantin-Moretus Museum.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Antwerpen has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Antwerpen, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Belgium!

Museum aan de Stroom is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Antwerpen, Belgium. If you're flying in, Brussels Airport is approximately 22.9 miles (36.8 km) away from Antwerpen. From there, you can easily reach Museum aan de Stroom by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Antwerpen, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Museum aan de Stroom, which is located 0.6 miles (0.9 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Museum aan de Stroom, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Museum aan de Stroom!

To fully appreciate the Museum aan de Stroom, planning the timing of your visit is crucial. The best time to explore Museum aan de Stroom is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer mild weather, enhancing the comfort of your visit. They also allow you to avoid the summer tourist rush, ensuring a more relaxed exploration of the museum's ten floors. The museum's extended opening hours on Thursdays, until 10 pm, provide an opportunity to view Antwerp's cityscape at dusk from the museum's rooftop. Special events like the 'MAS in Young Hands' festival, typically held in May, offer unique activities such as workshops, DJ sets, and performances. This event adds an exciting dimension to the museum experience, making spring an especially enriching time to visit. Whenever you choose to visit, remember to book your tickets online in advance, especially for special exhibitions, to ensure a seamless entry.

To truly enjoy your visit to Museum aan de Stroom, joining a tour that features this popular museum in Antwerpen is highly recommended. As one of Belgium's most iconic attractions, Museum aan de Stroom draws visitors from around the world. Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Museum aan de Stroom starting at just 2.99 EUR below.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Museum aan de Stroom and Belgium's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Brussels Airport and the city of Antwerpen, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Belgium cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Antwerpen and beyond.

Conveniently explore Museum aan de Stroom and plenty more captivating attractions in Antwerpen by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Museum aan de Stroom and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Antwerpen has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Museum aan de Stroom below.

Aside from Museum aan de Stroom, Antwerpen is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Antwerpen, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, and Park Spoor Noord.

Cathedral of Our Lady is a bucket-list church and top attraction in Antwerpen, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Cathedral of Our Lady is Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium.

Another appreciated attraction in Antwerpen is Het Steen. Like Cathedral of Our Lady, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars among 6,900 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this museum is Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium.

Park Spoor Noord is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Antwerpen. This park and top attraction in Antwerpen has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,700 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Ellermanstraat, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgium.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Antwerpen below.