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Red Star Line Museum: A Journey Through Migration History

Discover the stories of two million European migrants at Antwerp's Red Star Line Museum, a poignant exploration of migration history and human resilience.

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Housed in the former Red Star Line shipping company's buildings, this Antwerp museum tells the poignant stories of the two million European migrants who journeyed to North America between 1873 and 1934 in search of a new life. Through personal accounts, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibits, visitors can trace the emigrants' path from their homelands to their arrival in America, gaining insight into their hopes, dreams, and challenges.

A brief summary to Red Star Line Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • 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

  • Book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot, as the museum limits the number of visitors allowed every 30 minutes.
  • Visit on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday to enjoy the Honesty Bar, run by volunteers, where you can get a coffee, tea or water.
  • Check if there is a temporary exhibition during your visit, as it may affect the ticket price.
  • Consider visiting in the morning for a quieter experience, as the museum can get busier in the afternoon.
  • Take advantage of the museum's location on the Eilandje to explore other nearby attractions, such as the MAS Museum and the Havenhuis.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Antwerp Central Station, take tram 24 or 29 to the 'Eilandje' stop, a short walk from the museum. Alternatively, bus 17 also stops at 'Eilandje'. A single tram or bus fare costs approximately €2.50. Use the De Lijn route planner for precise connections.

  • Walking

    From the MAS Museum, walk north along the Rijnkaai for approximately 600 meters. The Red Star Line Museum will be on your left, at Montevideostraat 3. The walk is flat and offers views of the Scheldt river.

  • Car

    Parking is available in the Montevideo underground car park (Montevideostraat) or the Rijnkaai car park (Waagnatie - Rijnkaai 33). Parking fees apply every day. Be aware that Antwerp is a low emission zone; check requirements for your vehicle before entering. Consider using Mobypark to find and book parking spaces in advance.

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Discover more about Red Star Line Museum

The Red Star Line Museum, located in Antwerp, Belgium, offers a moving and insightful exploration of the migration experience. From 1873 to 1934, the Red Star Line shipping company transported approximately two million Europeans to North America, seeking refuge and opportunity. The museum is housed in the company's original warehouses, where emigrants were processed before embarking on their transatlantic voyage. The museum vividly portrays the journey of these migrants, from their departure from their native villages to their arrival in the New World. Visitors encounter personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that bring to life the challenges and aspirations of those who sought a better future. Interactive displays allow you to follow their path through the registration process, medical examinations, and the emotional farewells as they boarded the ships. The Red Star Line Museum not only commemorates the past but also connects it to the present. It highlights the universal themes of migration, human mobility, and the search for a better life, which remain relevant today. By exploring the experiences of these emigrants, the museum encourages reflection on contemporary migration issues and the importance of empathy and understanding. In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum also features a striking observation tower that offers panoramic views of Antwerp and its port. This tower serves as a reminder of the building's original chimney, a welcoming landmark for passengers arriving in Antwerp to begin their journey.

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