At the very end end of summer and the very beginning of autumn 2023 the City of Antwerp inaugurated the new facade light plan for Het Steen or Stone Castle. 

“The nighttime Antwerp skyline will thus gain a new landmark. The renovated castle also radiates from up close. After sunset it forms one illuminated whole, with both the historic parts and the recent addition given their own appropriate atmosphere”, the press release says. 

Thanks to the new lighting, Het Steen, after the cathedral, is now also visible at night from Linkeroever, the Left Bank of the Scheldt. 

Atmospheric lighting welcomes visitors to the old heart of Antwerp. 

It is completely tailor-made:

• Het Steen comprises part of the oldest city wall in Antwerp and is the result of centuries of construction and renovation. As a result, the castle has a dark base and lighter colors towards the top. These color shades are emphasized by the innovative LED technology ‘tunable white’.
• The historic castle is illuminated with a backlight effect, creating a subtle outline. The new tower takes further shape through a play of shadows.
• A light projection brings the disappeared castle wall back to life. This light line continues into the niche of the old gate.
• The 19th-century courtyard received warmer accent lighting, which enhances the architectural details and emphasizes the picturesque character of this ‘street’.

Until 21 October 2023, a temporary light animation will be projected on Het Steen in the evening, a nice extra to highlight the new lighting for local residents and passers-by. She will unfurl every evening from around 9 PM.

I went the day after the inauguration and I stayed from 8.50 PM to 9.30 PM. I did not see an animation. 

Energy-saving design

Thanks to the sustainable LED lighting with smart control, various lighting scenarios are possible. Just like at Antwerp-Central Railway Station, the light is dimmed here at night to save energy, without sacrificing atmosphere.

Councilor for Public Domain Erica Caluwaerts (Open Vld): “After we have illuminated the cathedral, the town hall and Antwerp-Central architecturally, the old heart of Antwerp, Het Steen, will now also shine at night. In this way, the Antwerp skyline comes into its own 24/7, in a cost-efficient manner through innovative LED technology.”

The new lighting was designed by lighting design agency Spectrum and realized by network manager Fluvius, in collaboration with the City of Antwerp.

Lighting plan for the city of Antwerp

The City of Antwerp approved its general Lighting Plan in 2012 with a vision of coherent and sustainable lighting for the different parts of the city. It is based on three layers: the basic lighting in the different zones of the city, the lighting of the structural axes, and the mood lighting. 

The third part includes buildings, monuments and special views that enhance the atmosphere in the living environment. Het Steen is part of that the third part.