MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp: A Showcase of Belgian Fashion

MoMu, the Fashion Museum Antwerp, stands as a testament to Belgium's significant contribution to the world of fashion. Situated in the ModeNatie building on Nationalestraat, in the heart of Antwerp's fashion district, the museum is a hub for fashion enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural impact of clothing. Founded in September 2002, MoMu's mission is to collect, conserve, study, and exhibit Belgian fashion. The museum specifically highlights contemporary Belgian fashion designers, particularly those who emerged from the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts during the 1980s and 1990s. These include influential figures such as Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Ann Demeulemeester. The museum's collections include over 38,000 items, including clothing, textiles, and accessories, both contemporary and historical. MoMu also features a library and reading room with thousands of materials on designers from across the globe, with a focus on Belgian fashion and textiles. MoMu organizes temporary exhibitions centered around designers or fashion-related themes, with scenography that immerses visitors in the world of the designer or theme. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops and lectures. The building itself has a history, originally built in the 19th century as a menswear and children's department store. In 2000, the building was renovated by Ghent-based architect Marie-José Van Hee to create a space for fashion and clothing. Architectural firm B-architecten expanded the public viewing space by 800m² while respecting the original design.