The Museum Aan de Stroom (Museum on the Stream), or MAS, is one of Antwerp’s most fascinating cultural institutions and a spectacular example of contemporary architecture. Come to admire its modern towering design, enjoy spectacular views from its upper floors and learn about Antwerp’s history through a series of fascinating exhibits.
MAS opened in 2011 and was designed to hold the collections of the Ethnographic and Maritime Museums. Today, it is Antwerp’s largest historic institution with a collection of over 470,000 objects.
As you approach the museum, admire its unique design. This towering monolith soars 200 feet (60 metres) and is composed of layers of Indian red stone and glass, stacked one on top of the other. With the surrounding port, the MAS building makes for a great souvenir photograph.
Make your way through the museum’s nine floors and enjoy permanent exhibits centred on four main themes. Explore the Displays of Power level to see various objects from throughout history that were regarded as “status symbols.” Further up, browse the Metropolis and World Port exhibits to see artistic representations of Antwerp and learn about its prosperous economic past. At the top levels, engage with philosophical questions that have perplexed different civilizations for centuries at the Life and Death collection.
The museum also features a number of temporary exhibits and galleries that shed light on Antwerp’s culture and history. Take a guided tour or read the exhibit information provided in several languages, including English.
When you need a break, enjoy a drink with a view at the museum café. Head up to the museum roof and gaze out over Antwerp’s historic cityscape. Looking down, spot an intricate skull mosaic inscribed into the museum square.
Museum Aan de Stroom is open every day except Mondays. It is free to enter, however, there is an admission charge for galleries and temporary exhibits. MAS is located near the seaport, within easy walking distance from the city centre.
