Situated at the heart of Antwerp’s revitalized docklands, the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom stands as a striking architectural and cultural landmark. Since opening its doors in 2011, the MAS has become an essential destination for art lovers, historians, and curious visitors alike. More than a museum, it is a layered narrative—one that intertwines Antwerp’s maritime history with global trade, cultural exchange, and the enduring human impulse to collect and preserve.
The MAS is aptly named: “Museum aan de Stroom” translates to “Museum by the River,” referencing its location along the River Scheldt. This site has long been a gateway between Antwerp and the wider world. Designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects, the building itself is a monumental stack of red sandstone and curved glass panels—a contemporary nod to the 16th-century storehouses that once lined the port. The structure’s spiraling walkways and panoramic views reflect the flow of time and movement that defines Antwerp’s historical identity as a mercantile and artistic hub.
The MAS houses over 500,000 objects, drawn from the city’s former Ethnographic Museum, Maritime Museum, and the Folklore and Vleeshuis collections. These holdings span continents and centuries: pre-Columbian artefacts, ship models, Asian lacquerware, 17th-century silverwork, and contemporary art installations co-exist within the museum’s thematic exhibitions.
What makes the MAS particularly compelling is its curatorial approach. Rather than segregating objects by period or geography, it presents them in dialogue—exploring themes such as power, death, trade, and celebration across cultures. This approach encourages reflection on the shared human experience, echoing the global connections that define Antwerp’s heritage.
While the MAS does not specifically focus on Dutch Delftware, it provides a broader context that illustrates how such objects traveled from the Netherlands to distant markets and how global influences informed local production. The museum’s thematic exhibitions explore the socio-economic and symbolic roles of various artifacts, offering insights into their aesthetic qualities and cultural significance. The museum however houses a large collection of Dutch tiles, and several Delftware objects.
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