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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. 

The MAS collection

Antwerp, a metropolis by the river. A collection of 600,000 objects gives you a refreshing view of the city and its contacts with other cultures.

The story of the site

Along the frayed fault line between the city and port lies a raw and rusty area. For many Antwerp residents, this represents a blind spot on the map. However, this area oozes history linked to the once bustling in-city port.

Vonck dental collection

Value assessment

In 2024, we selected a dental collection to perform a valuation on. There was no knowledge within the MAS about the provenance and history of this collection. It was not clear whether these objects had a place within the collection plan.

The Averbode altarpiece

In 1873, the Antwerp Museum of Antiquities purchased a 16th-century retable of the Averbode Abbey, depicting the Lamentation of Christ. 150 years later, it is given on long-term loan to the abbey and thus returns home.

Table with colourful inlay

The Dutchman Pierre Gole made the exceptional ceremonial table for the castle of Vincennes, as commissioned by Louis XIV himself. It is one of the most important pieces of furniture in public ownership in Belgium.

Congo in the MAS

The origin of the Congolese collection in the MAS dates back about a hundred years.

Photo series 'Ahopsan Forest'

Photographer Mark De Fraeye and his wife donated some of their photo series to the MAS. De Fraeye's series 'Ahopsan Forest' is a visual manifesto for the preservation of the forest in South Korea.

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.

Restaurateur speaking

Interview with Pierre-Yves Kairis

Pierre-Yves Kairis (b. 1958) is a doctor of art history at the Université de Liège. He was closely involved in the restoration of “The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine,” a painting by Michaelina Wautier.