The other side of Antwerp: Eilandje is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Europe thanks to its Zaha Hadid-designed Havenhuis and trendy dining scene, but the old Belgium port was once a no-go area
- Eilandje is located in the north of Antwerp and the old port has seen warehouses and storage buildings converted into cultural centres, trendy restaurants and luxury lofts over the past decade
- The Museum aan de Stroom houses the city’s cultural collections and true to its maritime roots, the headquarters of the Port Authority, Zaha Hadid-designed Havenhuis, resembles the hull of a ship
For a long time, Antwerp’s old port quarter had a bad reputation. With its empty warehouses and docks, it merged almost seamlessly into the historic old town with its world-famous cathedral. But even people who lived here hardly ever wanted to go to the port.
Things are different today.
In less than 10 years, the old port area has transformed from a dingy neighbourhood to “the place to be”. In an article published in 2018, The Independent named Eilandje one of the 10 hippest neighbourhoods in Europe.
Het Eilandje, which means the small island, is located in the north of the city. Warehouses and storage buildings have been converted into cultural centres, pop-ups, clubs, restaurants and lofts.
The initial spark for the metamorphosis of the old port was the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), the Museum by the Stream. Over 60m high and with a facade of red sandstone and curved glass, the museum opened in 2011 and houses the city’s historical, ethnographic and maritime collections.
Just over 10 years later, the striking building is a key landmark of the Eilandje area and large-scale urban regeneration.
Mayor Bart De Wever said: “We are trying to transform a city that lived with its back to the water into a city that lives with its face to the water.” This includes a new waterfront promenade and the redevelopment of the old port.