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Home > Venues > DIVA | Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver
DIVA | Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

DIVA | Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

DIVA is the number one museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. The museum is located at an historic site: from the 16th century, the Grote Markt and surrounding streets were the place to be for people who were looking for objects made of gold, silver and precious stones. Lovers of great luxury could feast their eyes on the shop windows of jewellers and goldsmiths.

DIVA, a Brilliant Story
Expand your knowledge and marvel at DIVA, the world of diamonds, jewellery and silver. In the refurbished permanent exhibition ‘DIVA, a Brilliant Story’, you will discover the different stages of a piece of jewellery or silverware, from the mine to the finished product. See how diamonds are mined, how silversmiths work, and learn more about the art and uses of these beautiful objects. Feast your eyes on 650 diamonds, jewellery and silver objects from the 15th century to today.

The museum is located on an important historical site. After all, Antwerp has been the world’s diamond capital for more than 575 years. From the 15th century, Antwerp’s Grote Markt and the surrounding streets were the ‘place to be’ for anyone who was looking to find objects made of gold, silver and gemstones. Delve into history and discover stories and objects from Antwerp’s heyday to today. Come along and be amazed!

  • Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world. After visiting the DIVA museum, you can go on a treasure hunt in Antwerp armed with your new-found knowledge.
  • Did you know that the museum also has a library, atelier and educational space? In the DIVA reading room, you can browse through books and magazines about diamonds, jewellery and silver. You are welcome in the educational space and atelier for interesting workshops. The doors of the atelier are open to specialists in goldsmithing and enthusiasts with no prior experience. Young or old, with your class or colleagues, alone or together: join in!
  • The DIVA museum has a brand new offer for children, but for now only in Dutch. Magpie loves everything that shines and has an eye for shiny details. This makes him the perfect guide during a discovery tour with fun search and do assignments throughout the permanent exhibition. Ideal for children from 7 years old.
Suikerrui 17/19, 2000 Antwerpen
Contact details for visitors
https://www.divaantwerp.be
Suikerrui 17/19
2000 Antwerpen
Opening hours
Monday - Tuesday: 10:00-18:00
Wednesday: closed
Thursday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00

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.