Location: Antwerp
Top Things to do in Antwerp
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Things to do in Antwerp, Flanders: The Best Museums
Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as center of the diamond trade and as the world's fifth-largest port. Biking is a popular choice for getting around this stylish Flemish city. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Markt. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351.
Restaurants in Antwerp
1. Artelli Gallery
2. ABC Klubhuis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
ABC Klubhuis is an artist run initiative founded by 7 Icelandic artists whom all live in Belgium. Focusing on varied mediums of art ABC Klubhuis exhibits a broad spectrum of artist both upcoming and established.
3. Museum Plantin-Moretus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,321 reviews
Walk into the printing press and the Plantin-Moretus family home as though you were a family friend paying a visit 400 years ago. Explore the house, the garden and the press in the only museum in the world on the UNESCO World Heritage list. - the two oldest printing presses in the world and more than 20.000 lead letters - 30.000 old books, illustrated manuscripts and other treasures of European printing - a beautiful baroque garden hidden within the walls of the museum
Reviewed By 267christophere - Cologne, Germany
Having to choose either Rubenshuis or the Plantin-Moretus museum due to the limited time I had during my stay, I decided on the latter and loved it. The rooms of this printing house are incredible and the collection of printing tools, printed books and manuscripts is really interesting. You can either take an audio guide (2€) or borrow copies of museum guides provided in the first room (free) to navigate through the exhibit (I took both). The staff was extremely friendly and helpful too. The museum does a great job in showing the many aspects of the Plantin-Moretus business and there is so much to learn about the printing process in general. Unfortunately, the museum shop was closed for inventory when I was there, so I am already looking forward to my next visit.
4. Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,364 reviews
Reviewed By MinkusMe
Amazing to be able to walk around Reuben's house - it is opulent and has a huge garden. Reuben's life as an artist is intrinsic to the building so is interesting from this perspective, as well as the art on display. If you are just interested in seeing a beautiful town house from the 17th Century, it is worth a visit for this.
5. Museum Mayer van den Bergh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Mayer van den Bergh was an avid art collector in the 19th century, and the best of his collection is displayed in this small museum.
Reviewed By CarolienBAC - Leuven, Belgium
Not a very famous museum, this one, but well worth the visit. What makes this museum interesting, is the combination of the building with the eclectic art collection of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, who sadly died before he could finish his dream of a museum of his own. Luckily his loving mother was up to the task and build this museum to commemorate her son. The collection is very interesting in itself, but thé star of the show is the world-famous painting of Mad Meg by Pieter Bruegel. I'm sure you can look one hundred times at this painting and still discover new things. Do yourself a favor and visit this museum.
6. Middelheim Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
The Middelheim Museum is one of the oldest and most original open-air museums in Europe. The museum offers a fascinating overview of more than one hundred years of visual arts in an exceptional setting. The welcoming arts park attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year. Admission is free of charge.
Reviewed By jeanpierred603
A short distance from the center of Antwerp what was a private estate until the late 1930's has since been a beautiful park. the original castle now a public restaurant and the open air sculpture museum. The latter's collection will fascinate anyone, it is stunning. The gardens in which the pieces are set makes a perfect joyful background. Don't miss this one.
7. De Zwarte Panter (Black Panther)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By bdon257 - Morpeth, United Kingdom
This very old building has now been updated to become an interesting cultural space. It is situated on a busy small shopping street and is alongside cafes, independent shops and bars. A pleasant attraction off the main tourist routes.
8. MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,475 reviews
9. Rockoxhuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
This is definitely much smaller than most art museums but superbly housed in the original 17th century house of a former Antwerp mayor. It has a nice collection of baroque paintings including Brueghel, Jordaens and other masters. It's an opportunity see the way of life of how the upper class lived centuries ago, through the the original house, the garden, and beautiful pieces of furniture. It's close to the city center and worth taking the time to experience.
10. Museum Eugeen van Mieghem Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By SarahJones86
We visited this museum after discovering Eugeen van Mieghem at the Red Star Line museum. The staff member there was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and talked us through the artist's life and work. He was obviously thrilled that we were so interested and we enjoyed his company. Absolutely worth a visit. The best thing we did in Antwerp.
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