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World city | About here and elsewhere

17.05.2011 - 28.02.2016

CLOSED - In 'World city' you could be charmed by the numerous stories and anecdotes that Antwerp is rich in. A must for every Antwerp citizen so that he could become even prouder of his city, a must for every non-Antwerpian so that he finally understood the fuss around this world city.

Sarvavid Vairocana

The 54 preserved miniatures in this series together form a visual guide for meditation on a mandala. This is a depiction of the cosmos, in this case with Sarvavid Vairocana – the most important of the five heavenly or dhyani Buddhas.

Hans Christoffel: ‘The Little Captain Who Conquered the Jungle’

Concealed behind Dutch Ethical Policy there was the reality of resistance to colonial rule being violently suppressed through so-called ‘pacification’ campaigns. Christoffel became simultaneously one of the most notorious agents of these campaigns and one of the most highly decorated.

“Luc Tuymans. Glasses” group tour

Discover Luc Tuymans’s portraits with a guide

Take a closer look at these iconic works and experience first-hand how your appearance changes when you add or omit glasses.

Antwerp à la carte

A guide will show you the surprising, tortuous and often invisible trail of the food chain through Antwerp.

The Antarctic today

The exhibition also tells the story of Antarctica today. You will find out how scientists are still conducting groundbreaking scientific research there. This topical part of the exhibition was created in collaboration with the International Polar Foundation.

City at war

Antwerp, 1940 - 1945

On May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Belgium. Just days later, the Nazi flag flew from Antwerp’s cathedral. This permanent exhibition brings to life the impact of World War II on the city and its residents. Through powerful personal stories and objects that once belonged to Antwerp inhabitants, visitors discover experiences of fear and violence, but also of courage and hope. So that we never forget. 

6 highlights from the exhibition

A bird’s eye view of Antwerp

Every district of Antwerp consists of a wonderful mix of historical buildings and modern architecture. To see all of this beauty you actually would need wings. But fortunately there are several places, both high up in the air and on the ground, to see as much as possible of the city.

A Batak Pustaha looted from the last Singamangaraja

Two pustaha in the ‘Christoffel Collection’ have been identified in all likelihood as having been looted from Sisingamangaraja XII, a Batak ruler and national hero. What can palaeographic, linguistic and topographic analysis reveal about their provenance, history, and intended use?