DIVA | Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

DIVA opened in May 2018 as a fusion of the former Diamond Museum and the Silver Museum. In a stately building situated a stone’s throw from the Grote Markt, diamonds, jewellery and silver are displayed in a contemporary and interactive way. The district behind Antwerp City Hall, where DIVA is located, was (and is) a site where silversmiths and jewellers have lived, worked and sold their products for over 500 years. Especially since Antwerp’s Golden Age, this has been a thriving commercial district. This historic framework provides the museum with extra context and makes for a rich arsenal of stories encompassing all of the objects and products.

DIVA’s history in silver

Silver is not just a material. As a precious metal, silver has a special aura that gives DIVA that extra cachet. That is why DIVA’s roots lie with the Zilvermuseum. The Silver Museum left Sterckshof Castle on 2 May 2014, after the tenth anniversary edition of the Silver Market. From 2018 onwards, the silver collection has been presented in DIVA.

DIVA’s history in diamonds

DIVA reconnects Antwerp with all of the facets of its brilliant past. The 500 years of Antwerp’s diamond history serve as one of DIVA’s starting points. The Diamond Museum at Koningin Astridplein 19–23 closed its doors in 2012 due to renovations to the Queen Elisabeth Hall, which was located in the same building. In May 2018, the former Diamond Museum opened in a different form and merged with the collection of the former Silver Museum. DIVA, the number one museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp was officially born.

Is DIVA accessible for people with reduced mobility?
DIVA is accessible for (electric) wheelchairs and walkers. All exhibition rooms are accessible by lift. To use the lift, you sometimes have to deviate from the planned route. Our staff in the museum halls will be happy to show you the way. Adapted toilets can be found on floor -1. DIVA provides a wheelchair and 20 folding chairs, which are available at the front desk.

Can I enter DIVA with a stroller?
Strollers are allowed in the museum rooms. We do ask that all bags attached to the stroller be placed in the lockers (on floor -1). Would you prefer to store the stroller during your visit? You can do so in the space provided. Please talk to our staff in the entrance hall. You will find two changing tables in the toilets

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed, except for guide dogs and other certified assistance dogs.

Is DIVA easy to reach?
The museum is easily accessible on foot, by bike, by public transport (including the water bus) and by car. The Suikerrui is close to the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. It is also easy to reach by tram and bus. Coming by car? You can park in the car parks at the Grote Markt or the Groenplaats.