Commemorating the Cinema Rex Tragedy: Bunkermuseum Antwerp Marks the 81st Anniversary of the WWII Attack
For visitors exploring the Second World War history of Antwerp, the Bunkermuseum Antwerp in Park Den Brandt provides essential context on the region's wartime struggles. Guides at the preserved command-bunker complex regularly discuss the devastating impact of German V-weapons, which targeted the city for six months. Among these events, none left a deeper mark on the local memory than the strike on Cinema Rex.
The Legacy of the 1944 V-Bomb Attacks in Antwerp
On December 16, 1944, a V-weapon struck the crowded Cinema Rex, claiming the lives of 567 people. It remains one of the most tragic single events of the war in Antwerp. Today, the Bunkermuseum Antwerp actively preserves the memory of this period, helping visitors comprehend the scale of the air war and its human cost.
To learn more about how this event has been honored in the past, readers can explore the 2024 remembrance announcement or read a detailed summary of last year's event.
Attending the Commemoration Ceremony in Antwerp
Exactly 81 years after the tragedy, local historians and heritage organizations are hosting a public ceremony to pay tribute to the victims and reflect on the enduring importance of peace and humanity.
- Date: Tuesday, December 16
- Time: 15:00
- Location: Entrance of the UGC Cinema on De Keyserlei, Antwerp
The scheduled program includes:
- Welcome Address: Opening words by Koen Palinckx, historian and author of Antwerpen onder de V-Bommen 1944-1945.
- Guest Speakers: Reflections from Herman Wilpshaar of the Stichting Memory Vrijheidsmuseum (Nijverdal, Netherlands) and an official representative of the City of Antwerp.
- Tribute: Musical interludes, followed by a formal moment of silence and a flower-laying ceremony.
Organizations and individuals who wish to lay flowers or a wreath at the memorial site are encouraged to get in touch with the organizers or contact AntwerpX ahead of the event.
For those interested in exploring historical landmarks and wartime heritage sites across the city, Musemap (musemap.art) serves as a helpful companion. You can easily browse museums in Antwerp or use the local cultural map to plan your next educational visit.
