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Home > Venues > City Hall Antwerp
City Hall Antwerp
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Stadhuis

City Hall Antwerp

Antwerp’s City Hall is at the very heart of political life in the city. Together with the Brabo statue, this impressive building is one of the most eye-catching features on Antwerp’s Great Market Square (Grote Markt). It was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1999.

 Antwerp’s city hall is of great cultural importance, and is one of the first examples of Renaissance architecture in the Low Countries. This building, with its rich history, has been in use since the 16th century. There is much to admire both outside and inside Antwerp’s most stately building, including a Renaissance façade, magnificent halls and numerous works of art.

Book a guided tour of the City Hall of Antwerp to discover the splendour of this building together with a guide.

Choose from 3 tours at Town Hall:

  • ‘The most beautiful floor’ or ‘Welcome to the Schoon Verdiep’ (Bel-Étage)
    Short tour (60 minutes) of just the renowned Schoon Verdiep (*)
  • ‘A palace for world citizens’ or ‘Welcome to the City Hall’
    This longer tour (105 minutes) of the façade, the exhibit on the restoration and, of course, the Schoon Verdiep (*) explains Antwerp’s pride and diversity.
  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘From Renaissance to renovation’ or ‘Welcome to the renovated City Hall’
    Temporary guided theme tour (105 minutes – offered outside office hours only!) on the restoration and sustainable renovation of Antwerp Town Hall. In the process, you will also visit the beautiful new rooms of the Town Hall and take a panoramic tour of the loggia, the Renaissance balcony, enjoying incomparable views of the old city!

* please note that, as a result of receptions, meetings and ceremonies, it may occasionally be impossible to visit all rooms of the Schoon Verdiep. Your guide will then be happy to tell you a bit more elsewhere.

Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerpen
Contact details for visitors
https://www.antwerpen.be/stadhuis
Grote Markt 1
2000 Antwerpen
Opening hours
Monday - Sunday: 09:00- 18:00

The 16th century was a time of unprecedented growth for Antwerp.  The city was bursting at the seams, and  the small, rather dilapidated city hall was no longer fit for purpose.  Antwerp needed a new city hall.  Plans for a new city hall were completed in 1561 and Mayor Rockox laid the foundation stone.  The beautiful new building was designed to showcase Antwerp’s new-found prosperity. In 1565, construction work was complete and the city hall was opened with a solemn inauguration ceremony.  But just 12 years later, disaster struck.  Mutinous Spanish soldiers set fire to the new city hall and only the walls were left standing. The people of Antwerp refused to be discouraged and  restored the building in under six months.  

The arrival of the French revolutionaries at the end of the 18th century meant a new beginning, both for Antwerp and its city hall.  The French administration brought many changes, including a new political system. As the outdated city hall was no longer suitable for a modern city, it was time for another renovation.  The courtyard was roofed over to  make room for a monumental stairwell.

A few years ago, it became clear that the city hall was in need of yet another major overhaul.  You can see the results today.  The ground floor has been made more accessible and the building has been adapted to meet modern requirements.

Is the Town Hall publicly accessible?
The ground floor is accessible daily from 9am to 6pm. The Schoon Verdiep can only be visited via a guided tour.

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted in the City Hall, except for guide dogs and other certified assistance dogs.

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