Among the two million Europeans who traveled to America on the Red Star Line was a five year old boy from Russia. The boy’s name was Israel ‘Izzy’ Beilin. He would grow up to gain world-wide fame as Irving Berlin with songs like 'White Christmas', 'Puttin' on the Ritz' and 'There's No Business Like Show Business'.
The expo featured loans from the Royal Yacht Club of Belgium and private collectors. A detailed Antwerp roadsted view and ship models attributed to Robert Mols, were the eye-catchers from the MAS collection.
The exhibition “Breedbeeld” in the new art hall sheds new light on Bruges as a metropolis from 900 to 1550. MAS contributes to this prestigious inaugural BRUSK exhibition with a unique ivory masterpiece from the African collection, as well as a cast of a 9th‑century stern ornament.
The ancient glass collection is one of the hidden gems at the MAS. It's part of a valuable glass collection numbering nearly 700 objects. For the first time the subcollection of ancient glass is published in a comprehensive catalogue.
The Eilandje was the place where people gathered on their way to the New World. The magnificent Red Star Line steamers moored on the quay just before the bend in the Scheldt River. When the steam whistle announced an impending departure, the quay swarmed with activity. The Eilandje is currently a sought after place in the city.
The MAS is turning five, and we plan to live it up over Whitsun weekend with a surprising and multi-faceted programme. From 14 to 16 May 2016, the MAS celebrates its fifth anniversary with two new exhibitions, DJs in the square, edible art, workshops for young and old, good food and drink at our food truck festival, and an eccentric firework display to round the whole thing off!
