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Museum · Antuérpia, Antuérpia
MAS
A 60-metre tower of red stone and undulating glass in the Eilandje neighbourhood. The museum tells the story of Antuérpia, the port and the world; at the top a panoramic terrace opens over the city.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About MAS
The MAS, acronym for Museum aan de Stroom, the museum by the river, is located in the Eilandje, the former port area north of the centre. The building, by the firm Neutelings Riedijk, stacks blocks of red sandstone rotated on top of each other and reaches 60 metres. The undulating glass walls between the floors allow views of the city as you ascend.
The collection brings together about 470,000 objects on Antuérpia, the port, navigation and cultures from other parts of the world. Much of it is kept in storage, but one floor displays part of that deposit to the public, with thousands of items on shelves.
The ascent by escalator, floor by floor, is itself a walk. On the landings the windows show the port, the cranes, the docks and the old town. On the top level is the panoramic terrace, from which you can see the cathedral tower, the Escalda and the port, the second largest in Europe.
Around the MAS, the Willemdok and Bonapartedok docks have moored boats and old warehouses converted into restaurants. The Red Star Line Museum, which tells the story of emigrants who left Antuérpia for America, is only a few minutes' walk away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the exhibitions. The ascent to the terrace alone takes about 20 minutes.
Best time
On a clear day to enjoy the view from the terrace. Late afternoon light over the docks is nice for photos. The museum is not open every day of the week; check before you go.
How to get there
It is about 1.2 km north of the Grote Markt, roughly a 15-minute walk following the river or via the neighbourhood streets. From Antwerpen-Centraal station it's about a 25-minute walk or a city bus ride to the Eilandje.
Tip
Access to the panoramic terrace does not require an exhibitions ticket. Even without visiting the collection, it's worth going up. Combine it with a walk along the docks and a meal in the Eilandje.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about MAS
Do I need a ticket to go up to the terrace?
No. The panoramic terrace can be visited without an exhibition ticket. Check opening periods before you go.
What does MAS mean?
Museum aan de Stroom, which in Flemish means museum by the river.
What is near the MAS?
The docks of Eilandje, with restaurants in old warehouses, and the Red Star Line Museum, about the emigrants who departed for America.