What is valuable must be protected. That is the logic of the Flemish Masterpieces Decree. Since the creation of this decree in 2003, just about 1,000 objects and collections have been recognised and protected as masterpieces. Through decree, the government also strengthens public collections by acquiring important masterpieces.
CLOSED - With “Body Art” the MAS has developed a varied exhibition about forms of body adornment, from make-up and tattoos to scarification and surgical changes, throughout the centuries and in different cultures. The main question in this exhibition was “Why do people alter their body?”
Unable to choose? Then why not visit every floor of the MAS? Book the full MAS tour, accompanied by a passionate guide. You will receive detailed explanation about all the themed rooms, which will be available free of charge all day long.
A bit short of time, but in the mood for a spot of culture? Then book the quick tour and pay a short visit to the Boulevard. The escalator brings you to a different dimension on each level, and you end up on the roof of the MAS (if not the city itself…).
CLOSED | The MAS preserves culturally and historically sensitive Congolese heritage that numbers nearly 5,000 cultural objects. MAS staff, together with Congolese colleagues, investigated the circumstances under which this collection disappeared from Congo. The first results of the study were on display in the Visible Storage.
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.
The freeing of the Scheldt was a landmark event in Flemish history. In mid-1863, Antwerp celebrated that after more than 250 years, merchant shipping on the Scheldt was truly free again. A telling painting of this ‘Scheldt Free!’ celebration from the MAS collection can be seen in our Visible Storage.
In this impressive warehouse, all the museum rooms are stacked like boxes. Follow the Boulevard with its metres-high glass windows as it spirals upwards, and enjoy an incredible view of the city from every level.
