Antwerp
Antwerp · Interactive history

The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

Discover Antwerp's heritage through an immersive multimedia experience in the city's oldest surviving building.

HistoryLocal heritageArchitecture

Discover the history and identity of the city inside its oldest preserved building. Explore eleven themed rooms filled with interactive displays, local stories, and hands-on exhibits before taking in panoramic views from the rooftop.

An interactive discovery center located within Antwerp's oldest building, featuring themed rooms and panoramic rooftop views.

The Antwerp Story at Het Steen
Introduction to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

Located inside the city's oldest surviving building, The Antwerp Story at Het Steen serves as an interactive gateway to Antwerp. Visitors journey through eleven themed rooms filled with multimedia installations and objects detailing the city's neighborhoods and heritage. This self-guided route culminates at a rooftop viewing platform offering panoramic views of the river and cityscape.

Medieval stone castle with round towers and stepped gables, with a bronze statue on a pedestal in the foreground and a stone bridge leading to an arched gateway under a blue sky with clouds
The Antwerp Story at Het Steen opening hours in Antwerp

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for The Antwerp Story at Het Steen. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Antwerp.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
The Antwerp Story at Het Steen Ticket Information

Visiting The Antwerp Story at Het Steen in Antwerp requires a paid admission ticket for standard entry. While general admission is paid, younger visitors enjoy free entry for children aged five and under. This interactive discovery center provides a comprehensive overview of the city's heritage and vibrant neighborhoods. Planning your visit to this historic castle ensures a seamless introduction to Antwerp's main attractions.

Children (under 6)

Free

For children under 6 years old

Visitor amenities at The Antwerp Story

The Antwerp Story at Het Steen provides several amenities designed to support a comfortable visitor experience, including a dedicated shop within the visitor centre. While the venue is equipped for accessibility, please note that some areas of the historic building have limited access for wheelchair and stroller users. These practical facilities are provided to help guests navigate the space and enjoy the interactive exhibits.

Wheelchair accessible

Limited

Stroller accessible

Limited

Museum shop

Available
Museum pass access for The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

Visitors can enjoy access to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen by utilizing various regional and city-wide museum passes. Depending on the chosen pass, admission may be included as part of a broader exploration of cultural sites across the city. Please refer to the specific pass details below to understand how your selection applies to this interactive experience.

Location of The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

The Antwerp Story at Het Steen is situated at Steenplein 1 along the Scheldt waterfront in Antwerp's Historic Centre. Housed inside the city's oldest surviving castle, this gateway experience provides visitors with a clear geographic anchor. The site features a rooftop viewing platform overlooking the river, offering a helpful layout perspective before you set out to explore the city.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Steenplein 1

2000 Antwerp

Historic Centre, Scheldt waterfront, Province of Antwerp, BE

Planning Your Visit to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

When planning your visit to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen in Antwerp's Historic Centre, expect to spend approximately 90 minutes exploring the interactive route. This timeframe allows visitors to walk through the rooms and view the multimedia displays at a steady pace. The attraction is located directly along the Scheldt waterfront, making it straightforward to find during a tour of the area.

Planning Your Visit to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

The Antwerp Story Experience at Het Steen

Located within a historic castle along the Scheldt waterfront, The Antwerp Story at Het Steen serves as an interactive museum and visitor center in Antwerp. This self-guided route leads visitors through eleven themed rooms that chronicle the city's rich history, local heritage, and diverse neighborhoods. Interactive multimedia installations and hands-on exhibits offer deep insights into the cultural identity of the region. The experience culminates on the panoramic rooftop terrace, presenting expansive views of the busy river and the historic docks.

Exhibition room with mannequins dressed in costumes including a firefighter uniform, wooden ceiling beams, a wall-mounted TV screen, and display panels

The History of Het Steen and The Antwerp Story

Originally built between 1200 and 1225 as a fortress gatehouse, this medieval landmark is **Antwerp's oldest surviving structure**. Gifted to the municipality by Emperor Charles V in 1549, the building served as a prison for centuries before opening as an antiquities museum in 1864. After a detailed restoration that earned a heritage award in 2022, the site reopened as a modern visitor hub. It hosts The Antwerp Story at Het Steen, introducing visitors to the local heritage in Antwerp.

  • Built as a fortress gatehouse

    1200-1225Construction

    The building, recognized as the oldest remaining structure in Antwerp, was constructed between 1200 and 1225 to serve as the gatehouse for the Antwerp castle.

  • Donated to the city

    1549Ownership

    In 1549, Emperor Charles V gifted the building to the city of Antwerp, which retained ownership until 1828.

  • Used as a prison

    1303-1823Milestone

    The structure served as a prison for centuries, from 1303 until 1823. During this period, it was also the site of secret executions of reformers between 1557 and 1565.

  • Opened as an antiquities museum

    1864Opening

    Following a proposal by Pieter Génard in 1862 and subsequent restoration by architect Kennes, the building opened as an antiquities museum on August 14, 1864.

  • Addition of neogothic wing

    1887-1890Architecture

    Following the demolition of surrounding structures in the 1880s, a new wing in neogothic and neotraditional style was constructed between 1887 and 1890.

  • Established as the National Maritime Museum

    1952-2008Collection

    The building replaced its previous antiquities museum with the National Maritime Museum in 1952. The institution was temporarily closed for renovations between 1953 and 1958, and it eventually closed its doors on December 28, 2008.

  • Installation of Lange Wapper statue

    1963Notable person

    In 1963, a statue of the legendary giant Lange Wapper, designed by sculptor Albert Poels, was placed at the entrance of the site to commemorate Antwerp folklore.

  • Conversion to tourist reception center

    2021Renovation

    After securing a government-approved management plan in 2017, the site underwent a major transformation. It officially opened as an Antwerp tourist reception center and visitor hub on October 22, 2021, featuring a multimedia exhibition called The Antwerp Story.

  • Received Onroerenderfgoedprijs

    2022Heritage status

    In October 2022, the building was awarded the Onroerenderfgoedprijs in recognition of its successful restoration and transformation into an accessible public site.

Curious Questions: The Antwerp Story at Het Steen FAQ

Planning your visit to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen in Antwerp? Wondering if you can squeeze in a Monday trip (good news: doors are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00) or if toddlers need tickets (under sixes get in free)? Here are the quick, practical answers to ensure your waterfront adventure goes off without a hitch.

What are the weekend opening hours of The Antwerp Story at Het Steen?

On weekends, including Saturdays and Sundays, The Antwerp Story at Het Steen is open from 10:00 to 18:00.

Is The Antwerp Story at Het Steen open on Mondays?

Yes, The Antwerp Story at Het Steen is open on Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00.

What are the regular visiting hours for The Antwerp Story at Het Steen?

The Antwerp Story at Het Steen is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Does The Antwerp Story at Het Steen have special opening hours or holiday closures?

There are currently no listed special opening hours or holiday closures. The venue operates on its standard weekly schedule.

Tips for Visiting The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

When planning a visit to The Antwerp Story at Het Steen in Antwerp, keeping a few practical details in mind will help ensure a smooth experience. Visitors traveling with young families should note that stroller access within this historical venue is limited. Similarly, wheelchair accessibility is limited due to the architectural nature of the building. After exploring the interactive route, you can also browse the onsite gift shop for a selection of local items and unique souvenirs.

Visitor Experience at The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

The Antwerp Story at Het Steen in Antwerp is well-suited for families, history enthusiasts, and those interested in local heritage and historic architecture. The self-guided experience features interactive multimedia exhibits across several themed rooms that engage curious minds of all ages. While the venue caters to accessibility needs, visitors using wheelchairs or strollers should be aware that stairs are required to access the first-floor chapel and the highest point of the panoramic rooftop. Overall, it serves as an excellent introductory overview for anyone looking to understand the neighborhoods, culture, and development of the city.

Photos of The Antwerp Story at Het Steen

Images of The Antwerp Story at Het Steen in Antwerp highlight the striking contrast of a medieval stone fortress along the river. Inside, previews showcase immersive themed rooms filled with interactive multimedia displays, historical artifacts, and local costume exhibits. The visual journey culminates with sweeping panoramic views from the castle's rooftop observation deck.

Medieval stone castle with round towers and stepped gables, with a bronze statue on a pedestal in the foreground and a stone bridge leading to an arched gateway under a blue sky with clouds
Medieval stone fortress with multiple conical turrets, stepped gables, and an arched gateway accessed by a stone bridge over a moat, surrounded by greenery
Stone medieval castle exterior with multiple towers, pointed slate roofs, arched entrance, and cobblestone courtyard under an overcast sky
Historic castle building Het Steen along the Antwerp riverfront with a white sailboat on the water and reeds in the foreground
Stone medieval fortress with twin round towers, battlements, arched gateway, and flags flying above, viewed from a stone bridge with railing
Exterior view of Het Steen castle in Antwerp with its distinctive stone tower and spire, adjacent modern building, and waterfront promenade under a blue sky
Exhibition room with mannequins dressed in costumes including a firefighter uniform, wooden ceiling beams, a wall-mounted TV screen, and display panels
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