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MAS: Antwerp's Museum by the Stream

Explore Antwerp's vibrant history and global connections at the MAS, an iconic museum offering panoramic city views and captivating exhibitions in a stunning waterfront setting.

4.5

The MAS, or Museum aan de Stroom, is an iconic landmark in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing the city's rich history and its global connections. Housed in a striking modern building on the Eilandje district's waterfront, the MAS combines collections from various Antwerp museums, presenting a diverse range of artifacts related to the city's port, trade, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore thematic exhibitions that connect local and global perspectives, ascend the building's unique spiral promenade for panoramic city views, and delve into Antwerp's past and present. The MAS is more than just a museum; it's a cultural hub that celebrates Antwerp's identity as a dynamic and international city, offering a multifaceted experience for tourists and locals alike. Its location in a revitalized port area adds to its appeal, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Antwerp's history, culture, and architectural innovation. The museum’s blend of historical artifacts and contemporary design creates a captivating experience.

A brief summary to MAS - Museum aan de Stroom

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the rooftop terrace for free panoramic views of Antwerp, even without a museum ticket.
  • Explore the Eilandje district surrounding the MAS, a revitalized port area with trendy restaurants and bars.
  • Check the MAS website for temporary exhibitions and events that offer unique perspectives on Antwerp's culture.
  • Take advantage of the MAS's late-night openings on select evenings for a different museum experience.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Scheldt River to fully appreciate Antwerp's maritime heritage.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Antwerp Central Station, take tram lines 3, 5, 9, or 15 towards Linkeroever and disembark at the 'Meir' stop. Transfer to tram 7 at 'Meirbrug' and ride until the final stop, 'MAS'. Alternatively, tram 24 stops at 'Londenstraat', a 10-minute walk across the London Bridge to the MAS. A single tram fare is approximately €2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Noorderplaats, walk north along the Kattendijkdok-Oostkaai. Continue straight, passing the Red Star Line Museum on your left. The MAS museum will be visible ahead on the right, approximately a 15-minute walk. This route is flat and easily accessible.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Antwerp Central Station to the MAS costs approximately €12-€18, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 10-15 minutes. Specify 'MAS Museum' or 'Hanzestedenplaats 1' as your destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen. Limited street parking is available near the MAS. The Godefriduskaai car park (Zeevaartstraat 11) is a nearby option. Parking fees typically range from €1.08 per hour to €5.40 for 24 hours.

  • Ferry

    From the Left Bank, the Waterbus provides a direct connection to the Steenplein. From Steenplein, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the MAS. A single Waterbus fare costs around €3. Bicycles can be transported for free. Check the 'dewaterbus.be' website for schedules and real-time updates.

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Discover more about MAS - Museum aan de Stroom

The MAS, short for Museum aan de Stroom (Museum by the River), stands as a towering testament to Antwerp's history, its connection to the world, and its vibrant cultural landscape. Opened in May 2011, this architectural marvel, designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects, has quickly become an iconic symbol of the city, drawing visitors from around the globe. Located in the heart of the Eilandje district, a revitalized former port area, the MAS serves as a meeting point between the city and its maritime heritage. The museum's striking design is inspired by the historic warehouses that once dominated Antwerp's skyline. The building is constructed from Indian red sandstone and features undulating glass panels, creating a shimmering effect that reflects the nearby Scheldt River. The MAS is conceived as a stack of ten boxes, each rotated a quarter-turn from the one below, forming a spiraling tower that reaches a height of 60 meters. This unique structure offers visitors a constantly changing perspective of the city as they ascend through its interior. Inside, the MAS houses a diverse collection of approximately 500,000 objects, representing the combined holdings of several Antwerp museums, including the Maritime Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Folklore Museum. These artifacts are organized into thematic exhibitions that explore a wide range of topics, from the history of Antwerp as a major port city to the cultural traditions of communities around the world. The museum's exhibitions are designed to be engaging and accessible, using new media and immersive presentations to bring the stories of Antwerp and its global connections to life. One of the most distinctive features of the MAS is its public promenade, a spiraling walkway that winds its way up the exterior of the building. This promenade is freely accessible to all, offering stunning panoramic views of Antwerp's skyline, the bustling port, and the winding Scheldt River. Along the way, visitors can admire the museum's facade, which is adorned with thousands of aluminum hands, a symbol of Antwerp derived from the legend of Brabo, who is said to have severed the hand of a giant who demanded tolls from ships passing through the Scheldt. The MAS is more than just a museum; it is a cultural hub that plays an active role in the life of Antwerp. The museum hosts a variety of events, including lectures, workshops, and performances, and it collaborates with local communities to develop exhibitions and programs that reflect the city's diversity. The MAS is also committed to accessibility, offering a range of services and facilities to ensure that all visitors can enjoy its collections and exhibitions. The MAS's collection is organized around several key themes, including: * **Antwerp and the World:** This theme explores the historical connections between Antwerp and other parts of the world, focusing on trade, migration, and cultural exchange. * **The Port:** This theme examines the history of Antwerp as a major port city, highlighting the importance of shipping, shipbuilding, and maritime commerce. * **Life and Death:** This theme explores universal human experiences, such as birth, death, and the afterlife, through objects from different cultures and time periods. * **Power and Prestige:** This theme examines the ways in which power and status have been expressed through art, architecture, and material culture. The MAS also features a "visible storage" area, where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's collection. This area allows visitors to see how objects are stored, cataloged, and researched, providing a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a museum. Visiting the MAS is an experience that engages all the senses. The building's architecture is visually stunning, the exhibitions are intellectually stimulating, and the panoramic views from the promenade are breathtaking. Whether you are interested in history, art, culture, or simply want to enjoy a unique perspective of Antwerp, the MAS is a must-see destination. The MAS is easily accessible by public transportation, and it is located within walking distance of many other attractions in the Eilandje district. The museum also has a restaurant and cafe, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. The MAS stands as a symbol of Antwerp's past, present, and future. It is a place where the city's history is celebrated, its cultural diversity is embraced, and its connection to the world is explored. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from afar, the MAS offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

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