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.

Discover Museum aan de Stroom, a prime feature of Antwerp, in the vibrant Antwerp. Museum aan de Stroom is situated at Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium, just a short distance from Red Star Line Museum and Cathedral of Our Lady, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.

In the vicinity of Museum aan de Stroom, various dining and shopping options await, alongside a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of local life. This location serves as a perfect starting point or a key highlight during your exploration of Antwerp, a city in Belgium rich with cultural and adventurous activities.

When planning your trip, timing is key. Explore travel trips and ideas on this city from the comprehensive Antwerp travel guide for an unforgettable adventure.

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

For those already in Antwerp, 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. 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 guided tour of this renowned museum in Antwerp is highly recommended. As one of Belgium's most iconic attractions, Museum aan de Stroom draws visitors from across the globe, often leading to long queues and limited availability.

Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience. With the biggest selection of tours and tickets in Antwerp, you’re sure to find an option that fits your schedule and preferences.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Museum aan de Stroom starting at just 2.99 EUR below. Enjoy benefits like free cancellation and 24/7 customer support for added convenience.

If you're looking for an effortless way to explore Museum aan de Stroom, perfectly planned travel packages to Antwerp make it easy and enjoyable, all while keeping costs manageable. With everything seamlessly arranged for your trip to Antwerp, you can simply pack your bags and look forward to exploring Museum aan de Stroom.

Keep reading to discover the best options for experiencing this iconic museum in Belgium.

Upon arriving at Brussels Airport, you’ll find 3 reputable rental car companies conveniently situated near the city of Antwerp.

Click 'See More' to unlock other affordable car rental options in Antwerp.

Choosing the right accommodation near Museum aan de Stroom from the widest selection of hotels and places to stay in Antwerp can truly make all the difference in your trip. Not only will you be within a comfortable distance from Museum aan de Stroom, but you’ll also enjoy the best rates available, backed by 24/7 customer service and glowing reviews.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a handpicked list of top-rated hotels nearby.

From church to park, the top attractions in Antwerp offer experiences you won’t want to miss.

One of the most notable attractions to visit while in Antwerp is Cathedral of Our Lady, located at Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium. This well-known church enhances your time in the city.

Whether you plan a short visit or take time to explore fully, Het Steen is worth seeing when you're in Antwerp. It's a popular museum that’s perfect for rounding out your itinerary. You’ll find it at Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium.

For an unforgettable addition to your itinerary, a visit to Park Spoor Noord completes any trip to Antwerp. This park draws visitors with its unique appeal, making it an essential stop on your journey. Located at Ellermanstraat, 2060 Antwerpen, Belgium, its surroundings offer plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

The city's top sights offer a wide variety of experiences to make your trip truly memorable. Check out the full list of top attractions in Antwerp below to discover even more incredible places to explore.