MAS - Museum aan de Stroom — Attraction in Antwerp

To be quite frank, this museum was a bit of a let down, primarily, because it has so much potential that just goes unfulfilled. Example, on the 2nd floor I think, there is an entire very long wall, with beautiful paintings just stacked against the wall, piled in there as you might say, not in a position to truly appreciate their beauty but enough to recognize that they are beautiful. They are all behind a steel cage with the cross sections of the cage, so close together, that I couldn't even get my camera to focus on the paintings but would only focus on the cage. Such a waste. I asked the floor attendant why these were behind a cage and he replied that several years ago, there had been an incident, so my question to him was, so because of thus incident, instead of resolving whatever circumstances allowed for the incident to happen, you just store them in a cage. His respond was a facial expression of agreement with me but simply shrugged your shoulders as to say, what can you do, I'm not in charge. The other floors were ok, but the orginization was terrible. Small exhibits were spaced too far apart, like they were just trying to fill the space with what they were actually willing to publicly display. The titles on cards for each exhibit were most often, not multi lingual or even present at all, leaving no context with which to appreciate the exhibit. You can go there to say that you went, but that's, at least for me, the only take away. Some of the exhibits were OK, but the negatives far outweighed the positives. You can go to the roof and get a very nice view of the city, there was...

In the center of the district 't Eilandje, you will find a unique riverside museum (MAS). This eye-catcher is built in red Indian stone (notice the "chopped off" hands on some of the stones), and has strikingly curved expanses of glass. The past few years, the quality of life has improved tremendously in this quarter, and the opening of this museum only helped this progress along.

You'll find temporary as well as permanent exhibitions on every floor that often cover different themes. Now, I won't lie to you; I hardly ever visit any of the exhibits. But whenever I pass this architectural gem, I can't help myself from going all the way to the top. The 360° panoramic view is amazing. No other location in Antwerp will offer you this opportunity for € 0.

You will have to focus on not getting any of your garments stuck in the escalators that would get you tied up in the end. This focus needs to last for roughly nine floors. In the meantime, you will get a chance to notice the constantly changing view of our magnificent city. The unique outlook offers a view of the town, river and our dynamic port in a single peep. The spiral tower symbolizes the connection Antwerp has with the rest of the world.

Before you hit the road in order to grab a bite, beer, or both, I urge you to try to spot the mosaic skull on the square in...

The MAS Museum is a must-see attraction in Antwerp, captivating visitors even before they step inside. The building itself is a stunning architectural feat, a modern masterpiece with a unique design that's both handsome and imposing. Its towering stature makes it a landmark on the Antwerp skyline.

Inside, the MAS Museum unfolds across multiple levels, each dedicated to showcasing a distinct collection. Both temporary and permanent exhibitions offer a fascinating look into Antwerp's rich history and its connection to the world.

One particularly captivating exhibit explores Belgium's relationship with the Congo, delving deep into the Congolese culture and its lasting influence. Another exhibit sheds light on Antwerp's evolution as a major port, tracing the rise and fall of its shipping and logistics industry.

For a truly immersive experience, the museum offers guided tours accessible through audio devices. This adds an extra layer of insight into the collections, enriching your understanding of the exhibits.

With its ever-changing exhibitions and captivating blend of history, architecture, and culture, the MAS Museum is a must-visit for anyone visiting Antwerp. There's always something new to discover...