Antwerp: City of Architectural Contrasts
Guided Visit to MAS Museum
and the 17th century Rockoxhuis
The Museum aan de Stroom (Museum on the River), also known as the MAS, is Antwerp’s dazzling new museum that everyone is talking about. The 10-story building itself is spectacular – offering 360? views of the city, the Schelde, and the busy harbor. The museum’s extensive permanent collection focuses on Antwerp’s history and culture, as well as on Antwerp’s fascinating connection with the world over the centuries. This story is told through four themes on five floors, as well as through temporary exhibitions and an open depot where visitors can view a changing selection of objects held in storage.
Our guided tour lasts 1.5 hours and explores the amazing architecture of the MAS and its panoramic views. We will visit two of the four theme collections: Metropolis and World Port. Metropolis – On Here and Now addresses the ways in which Antwerp has been portrayed over the past 500 years, and how the city has shaped itself through its buildings and events. The themed exhibit World Port – On Trading and Shipping shows the city of Antwerp’s indebtedness to its harbor, from its beginnings as a small medieval settlement to its status today as one of the world’s most important ports.
After the tour, we will break for brunch and bubbles at the 19th century FelixPakhuis, a former industrial building in the harbor neighborhood of ’t Eilandje, just steps from the MAS. We will enjoy our buffet-style brunch in the completely restored and renovated “Felix” warehouse, where for more than a century, coffee, hops, cheese, wine, and tobacco were stored. In 1976, the building was classified as a listed monument, which saved it from demolition. The last bale of tobacco left the warehouse in 1985, and the building stood abandoned and derelict until 2006, when Antwerp’s municipal archives found refuge in the now-renovated building. One of the city’s latest new hot spots, FelixPakhuis is more than just a place to eat and drink; it is also one of Antwerp’s major cultural spaces with exhibitions, concerts, films, theatrical performances, and activities for children.
Following our langslapersbrunch, we will stroll through the streets of old Antwerp to a 17th century architectural jewel, the beautiful Rockoxhuis, the former home of Nicolaas Rockox, politician, humanist, and art collector. To top off the day, the KBC has graciously invited us for coffee and cake. Kreditbank (now KBC) acquired the Rockox House in 1970, and founded the Stichting Nicolaas Rockox (Nicolaas Rockox Foundation) to restore the historic patrician residence and courtyard garden to their former glory with period furniture and paintings. We will be free to explore the museum and garden on our own either before or after the reception.
This very special event is limited to 20 participants, so reserve your places early.
Note: this event is a three-part event: the MAS tour, brunch, and a visit and reception at the Rockoxhuis, and it is expected that attendees will participate in all three activities as a courtesy to our hosts.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 23
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Museum aan de Stroom, Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp; FelixPakhuis, Godefriduskaai 30, 2000 Antwerp; and the Museum Rockoxhuis, Keizerstraat 10-12, 2000 Antwerp
Price: €30 for ACB and AWCB members; €40 for non-members
Sign up: Reservations are due by noon on Wednesday, October 19 by email (info@americanclubbrussels.org), online at www.americanclubbrussels.org, or by telephone to the ACB Office Manager (02/219.58.08). Payment to ACB at BE55427919588144 (KREDBEBB) will confirm your reservation. Be sure to mention “MAS” in the communications section of the virement. Cancellations are possible until noon on Friday, October 21. Participants canceling after this time, as well as no-shows, are charged the full cost of the event.
