Antwerp port & city history

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Antwerp’s iconic city museum connecting local port history to the world.

HistoryScienceLocal heritageContemporary

Explore a dynamic cultural hub offering permanent and temporary exhibitions, a dedicated museum shop, and versatile dining options from a ground-floor café to a top-floor gourmet restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic stargazing opportunities on the roof.

A multi-story museum featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, a museum shop, diverse dining spaces, and a public roof offering celestial stargazing events.

About MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Located in Antwerp's Eilandje neighborhood, MAS | Museum aan de Stroom is a multi-story cultural institution hosting diverse permanent and temporary exhibitions. Galleries explore varied subjects ranging from historical traditions to contemporary global practices. Visitors can also enjoy ground-floor dining, a specialized shop, and a public roof terrace that hosts seasonal stargazing events.

Wide panoramic view of the red brick Museum aan de Stroom building featuring stacked cubic architecture and a large paved plaza under a blue sky.

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom opening hours in Antwerp

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for MAS | Museum aan de Stroom. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Antwerp.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

10:00-17:00

See museum opening hours

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom Tickets

Visiting the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp requires an admission ticket, with standard adult entry priced at 12 EUR. The museum offers special rates for groups of twelve or more, and certain other ticket categories are available for 8 EUR with a valid ID. Select visitor categories and specific groups may also qualify for free admission. These options make exploring the exhibitions accessible for all types of visitors.

Standard Ticket

€12.00

Access to all different museum halls, the Visible Storage, the Boulevard, and the rooftop panorama

Discount Ticket

€8.00

A-card holders, or Davidsfonds members with a discount code

Group Ticket (12+ people)

€8.00

For groups of 12 people and more (cannot be combined with other discounts)

See museum tickets and prices

Visitor amenities at MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

The MAS | Museum aan de Stroom offers a range of on-site facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience. Guests can enjoy dining options at the museum café located at the building's base or experience a gourmet meal at the top-floor restaurant. Additionally, a dedicated museum shop is available for those interested in purchasing books, stationery, and original merchandise.

Museum café

Available

Gourmet restaurant

Available

Museum shop

Available

See all museum amenities

Family visits at the MAS

The MAS | Museum aan de Stroom provides engaging experiences for visitors aged 2 to 12. Families can explore the galleries through themed scavenger hunts like MASafari, interactive creative workshops, and dedicated drawing spaces designed to help younger guests discover the collections. Additional details on specific activities and age-appropriate programming are available for further planning.

Recommended age: Ages 2–12

The MAS offers a variety of tailored activities and discovery tours that allow children and families to explore the museum's collections in an engaging way.

Why families will enjoy it

Monthly Buggytour Dierenpret for toddlers.
MASafari scavenger hunt for children aged 5-10.
Creative drawing floor inspired by museum exhibits.
Hands-on workshops like 'Betoverende dieren' for ages 6-12.

Activities and resources for children

Family tour

Buggytour Dierenpret

Ages 2–390–90 min

A monthly guided tour for families with young children.

Open official information

Kids trail

MASafari

Ages 5–10

An interactive scavenger hunt throughout the museum galleries.

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Interactive experience

Tekenvloer (Drawing Floor)

A space where families can draw their favorite animals together.

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Plan a family visit

Museum pass access at MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Visitors to MAS | Museum aan de Stroom can enjoy entry to the permanent collections and exhibitions using selected regional and national museum passes. These passes provide flexible access options for exploring the museum's history and port-related exhibits while in Antwerp. Please check individual pass details to confirm specific inclusions and coverage before your visit.

Antwerp City Pass

Includes major museums, historic churches, and public transport access.

Unlock access to heritage sites, contemporary art galleries, and historic houses across Antwerp. A flexible duration option helps you manage your discovery of the city's unique cultural landscape.

Accepted here3 pass options

From €45

museumPASSmusées

Unlimited access to cultural sites across Belgium.

Enjoy year-round access to a wide selection of Antwerp's finest museums and cultural heritage sites. Use your personal museumPASSmusées to explore collections at your own pace.

Accepted here

From €64.95

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Finding MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom is located at Hanzestedenplaats 1 in the historic Eilandje district of Antwerp. Situated alongside the old docks, the multi-story landmark offers visitors an ideal starting point to explore the area's rich maritime heritage and enjoy panoramic views of the city and port from its public rooftop.

Hanzestedenplaats 1

2000 Antwerp

Eilandje, Province of Antwerp, BE

See museum location and map

Planning Your Visit to MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Planning a visit to MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in the Eilandje neighborhood of Antwerp typically requires about 90 to 120 minutes to explore the galleries. Visitors should note that timed-entry tickets are in use, and booking your reservation online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee access.

See how to visit the museum

Exhibitions and Views at MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Situated in the Eilandje neighborhood of Antwerp, MAS | Museum aan de Stroom offers a multi-story experience connecting local heritage with global themes. Visitors can explore permanent and temporary exhibitions that span historical traditions, science, and contemporary culture. Beyond the gallery spaces, the venue features a visible storage area, a ground-floor café, and a museum shop. The top levels house a gourmet restaurant and a public roof terrace with panoramic city views. This rooftop also hosts seasonal stargazing sessions organized in partnership with Observatory Urania.

Hanging art installation with white fabric panels, a handbag, basket, and wooden objects suspended by chains in front of large glass windows overlooking the Antwerp cityscape

The History of MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

The idea for MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp was established in 1998 to bring together several local collections. In 1999, Neutelings Riedijk Architecten won the design competition, with construction running from 2006 to 2010. The landmark celebrated its **official public opening** on May 14, 2011, housing a diverse collection of 600,000 objects. It was honored with the Stiletto Prize in 2013 and added a commemorative Guillaume Bijl sculpture to its eighth floor in 2016.

Establishment of the MAS project
1998Founding
In 1998, the Antwerp city executive decided to create a new museum on the Hanzestedenplaats to house the collections of the Folk Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and part of the Vleeshuis collection.
Selection of architectural design
1999Architecture
Following an international architecture competition in 1999, the Stapelhuis concept submitted by Neutelings Riedijk Architecten was selected as the winning design for the new museum.
Laying of the first stone
2006Construction
The construction of the museum officially commenced with the laying of the first stone in September 2006, marking the beginning of the site's transformation into the final museum structure.
Completion of building structure
2007-2010Construction
The structural construction of the building began in February 2007 and concluded with the official delivery of the building in May 2010, after three years and eight months of construction.
Official opening to the public
2011Opening
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) officially opened its doors to the public on May 14, 2011, housing a diverse collection of approximately 600,000 objects focused on the city's connection to the world.
Recognition with the Stiletto Prize
2013Milestone
The museum was recognized for its contribution to heritage and culture by receiving the Stiletto Prize in 2013.
Installation of Groetend Admiraal Koppel
2016Milestone
To celebrate the museum's fifth anniversary in 2016, artist Guillaume Bijl created the bronze sculpture 'Groetend Admiraal Koppel', which was installed on the museum's eighth floor.

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom: FAQs & Timely Tips

Planning a visit to MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp? While you can easily secure your timed entry ticket for a 90-minute tour, try not to send a last-minute email inquiry unless you are comfortable waiting exactly 168 hours for a reply. Keep your Mondays free for other plans, as the museum is closed!

Is MAS | Museum aan de Stroom open on Mondays?

No, MAS | Museum aan de Stroom is closed on Mondays. The regular visiting hours are active from Tuesday to Sunday.

What are the weekend opening hours for MAS | Museum aan de Stroom?

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom is open on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 10:00 to 17:00.

Does MAS | Museum aan de Stroom have special opening hours or closures?

There are no listed special opening hours or holiday closures at this time for MAS | Museum aan de Stroom.

What are the opening hours of MAS | Museum aan de Stroom?

MAS | Museum aan de Stroom is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed on Mondays.

See museum FAQ answers

Planning Your Visit to MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

When planning a visit to MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp, allocating between 90 and 120 minutes is recommended to fully appreciate the experience. Because the museum utilizes a timed-entry system, reserving your entry in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred slot. Visitors should also keep in mind that carrying a valid ID is recommended, as identification may be required under certain circumstances. For your convenience, the venue is equipped with practical amenities including an on-site café, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

Visitor Experience at MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Located in the Eilandje neighborhood of Antwerp, MAS | Museum aan de Stroom offers a multi-story experience that appeals to solo travelers, couples, families, and groups alike. The museum's exhibitions span diverse topics ranging from local heritage and global history to contemporary cultural practices. Visitors can typically expect a well-rounded experience lasting between 90 and 120 minutes, which can easily be paired with a stop at the onsite café, the top-floor restaurant, or the specialized museum shop. With its mix of historical galleries, community-oriented spaces, and a public panoramic roof, this cultural institution is well-suited for both casual sightseers and dedicated museum-goers.

Visual Preview of MAS | Museum aan de Stroom

Visual previews of MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp highlight its striking red sandstone architecture of stacked cubic volumes along the waterfront. Images showcase diverse gallery exhibitions, historic harbor cranes, and rich heritage. Visitors can also anticipate the panoramic skyline views captured from the museum's glass-walled public rooftop terrace.

The red sandstone MAS museum building with stacked offset box-like volumes rising above the Antwerp waterfront, with boats moored along the quay and a clear blue sky.

The MAS Museum aan de Stroom building in Antwerp, a tall red brick structure with stacked offset volumes and glass facades, viewed from the waterfront with people walking on a white-railed bridge

Panoramic view of Antwerp cityscape with church spires and buildings seen through glass panels from the MAS rooftop terrace with curved bench seating

Large industrial port cranes standing on a paved quay along the Antwerp waterfront under a partly cloudy sky

Outdoor rooftop terrace with large white STORM lettering on a glass barrier, red sandstone walls, and people seated at tables in the background.

Large red ship hull resting in a historic stone dry dock with visitors walking on an overhead metal walkway bridge

Visitors smiling while viewing a decorated drum in a glass display case at the MAS museum, with colorful vertical strips hanging in the background

See museum photos gallery

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