Antwerp may seem reminiscent of old Flanders with its gabled guild halls and grand Gothic cathedral, yet at its MAS museum square sits an eye-catching Zaha Hadid-designed edifice that highlights modern innovation in Antwerp.
Harmonious amalgam of past and present, artistry and function, design and cultural symbolism.
1. Grote Markt
Grote Markt (“Great Market Square”) offers one of the finest places to experience Antwerp. From 16th-century guild houses and Renaissance Stadhuis (City Hall) to its cozy cafe terraces or tasty Belgian beer tasting opportunities, there are so many sights nearby for visitors to admire and take their time taking it all in.
Brabo Fountain stands as an eye-catching centerpiece of Antwerp Square, depicting the legendary hero from Antwerp legend. Designed by Antwerp-born artist Jef Lambeaux in 1887, its uppermost figure depicts Brabo severing a giant’s hand; according to legend, these charges demanded high toll fees from ships entering Antwerp; any time an entering vessel refused payment Brabo would strike back with a sword and strike down both head and hand for them both!
Antwerp City Hall is an architectural masterpiece in itself, but what really draws visitors in are the vibrant flags adorning its facade. Each flag represents a different European Union member or country with consular offices located here; additionally, this city hall also hosts a public library.
Summer nights bring with them a flea market; winter evenings bring with them an ice skating rink and Christmas market. Both events bring hundreds of vendors selling local crafts and delicious bites like authentic waffles and Belgian fries – something this square truly can offer year round!
The relatively level ground of Antwerp Square makes it wheelchair-accessible. Visitors can explore on their own or with expert assistance; guided tours provide more in-depth explorations of both historic buildings and the square itself, and tours can be booked through local operators or self-guided mobile apps like GPSmyCity: Guided Walks in 1K+ Cities app available free on Apple App Store and Google Play Store – simply download, choose an Antwerp walk, and follow its directions – no data plan necessary!
2. City Hall
City Hall stands as an iconic symbol of Antwerp’s rich Renaissance heritage. Conceived during Antwerp’s height of economic and cultural development during the 16th century, when they were at their economic and cultural apex. Built to serve as a model for other government buildings in Northern Europe like Rotterdam and Delft it has had significant sway on design worldwide.
The City Hall is a monumental complex constructed in Dutch Renaissance style between 1561-1565 by Mayor Rockox as a sign of wealth for their newly created municipality within the Dutch Republic, as well as to showcase Renaissance City as an industrial center and trading hub.
Though iconic, City Hall has had a turbulent past. Twice during its history – first by soldiers of Mutiny in 1576 setting it on fire and only leaving its walls standing; second by Jesuits turning it into a church; it was then rebuilt three years later with original decorations restored – it has seen damage multiple times from war or religious conversions, eventually leading to its complete restoration and original decorations being reinstated.
The current renovation of City Hall seeks to reassert it as the hub of municipal power by consolidating cabinet offices under one roof and respecting its history, including its neo-renaissance interior, while creating a public space that meets contemporary expectations.
This project centers around the idea that City Hall has an internal geographie that does not correspond with its exuberant hierarchical facade. Furthermore, different urban conditions on different sides have led to reciprocal adjustments between building and city, creating a diverse identity for its interiors.
The project seeks to preserve this rich legacy by reconceptualizing City Hall as a colossal chest of drawers; an arrangement of rooms which create an architectural complex with an identifiable identity that will be reinstated through renovation of ornamentation and urban sequence.
3. Museum Plantis Moretum
Christophe Plantin arrived in Antwerp with a passion for printed words in 1550 and quickly established the Officina Plantiniana as one of Europe’s premier printing houses within five years, becoming an influential centre for European humanism during 16th and 17th century Europe. Now housed within an Antwerp complex that tells this unique family history and entrepreneurial venture – including housing one of only six operating printing presses worldwide (and featuring works by Peter Paul Rubens portraiture!), house workshops museum complex was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status status status by UNESCO in 2005!
The Museum Plantis Moretum boasts a world-class workshop, housing original instruments from across history and thousands of prints, books and maps from across the globe. This unparalleled exhibition provides visitors with an insightful view into book publishing over time – through texts printed for several centuries!
As the only printing museum in Flanders and one of only ten in the world to receive World Heritage status, this makes it an essential stop for anyone wishing to gain more insight into book history and publishing.
At the Museum Plantis Moretum you can experience three centuries of printing, art and family history. Visitors can admire some of the oldest working printing presses in existence while admiring an exquisite art collection (including works by Peter Paul Rubens himself!) as well as exploring its archives.
This complex consists of the house, printing shop and garden built during the first half of 16th century and preserved almost exactly as they appeared then. Martina Plantin owned it at first; later her son-in-law Jan Moretus purchased it alongside Anna Goos as joint owners.
Antwerp City manages and makes this complex open to the public. All interventions, including restoration work, must first receive approval to ensure its preservation.
4. De Boerentoren
De Boerentoren has long been an iconic building and part of Antwerp’s skyline for more than a century, serving as Europe’s inaugural skyscraper with its striking white tower, symbolizing industrial trade success and innovation in Antwerp. A beloved landmark among generations, De Boerentoren recently reopened to the public with its observation deck under new design by architect Fernand Huts causing much debate within Antwerp; many citizens believe its new design threatens Antwerp’s unique architecture in which many disagree with it will overshadow Antwerp’s original architecture.
The new design may cause debate among city residents, but architects remain hopeful that their vision will bring renewed vitality and draw more visitors to Amsterdam. They believe their design will strengthen the economy and generate jobs within the community. Renovation of Boerentoren will include several cultural and public spaces – exhibition areas, cafes and restaurants among them – along with a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views over the city.
The Boerentoren was constructed in 1931 as Europe’s tallest building at that time. Although initially called “Torengebouw” (tower building), locals soon gave it another moniker: Boerentoren – this reference to its farmers’ union control over General Banking Association who commissioned its construction.
Boerentoren tower will become even more distinct in the city skyline due to its distinctive, slender silhouette, while its crystal structure looks like a lantern or city crown – becoming even more of a focal point.
The Boerentoren stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s prosperity and success, and its renovation will attract visitors from across Europe while increasing competition with international cities. Furthermore, its modern design will enhance identity of city as a whole as well as give it unique characteristics – the Boerentoren serves as a prime example of how art, culture and economy can co-exist within one building.