Experience

ANTWERP | Regional products, start-up business presentation, diamonds, children’s theatre at Het Steen in spring and summer 2024

Posted by Timothy on

Since its latest big renovation, Het Steen or the Stone Castle has been the major visitor centre for the City of Antwerp. As such, it offers seasonal programmes with many activities. Here is whats on the coming months. 

“Het Steen is the ideal base for a visit to Antwerp. Especially in spring and summer, the experience center receives many Antwerp residents and tourists”, the city press office says. “Het Steen is therefore launching an extensive range this spring. Visitors can taste regional products for free, take a behind-the-scenes tour and be inspired by the work of local artists and entrepreneurs.”

Het Steen behind the scenes

During an exclusive guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to visit the rooms, cellars and attics of Het Steen, which normally remain hidden from the public. The tour takes you past a maze of narrow stairs and secret tower rooms, each with an exciting story. The guide takes people into the turbulent and sometimes chilling history of Het Steen, where executioners interrogated alleged witches and convicts said their last prayers

  • Dates: 30 March, 6 April, 13 April, 11 May, 18 May and 1. June.
  • Opening hours: each time at 11 AM, 1:30 PM and 3 PM.
  • Location: Het Steen cruise terminal.
  • Price: €15.
  • Reservations can be made via the Experience Antwerp website

Regional product in the spotlight

Every last weekend of the month, visitors can taste an Antwerp regional product for free in the Antwerp City Shop. During that weekend there is also a 20% discount on this product. ​

  • Dates: 30-31March, 27-28 April, 25-26 May and 29-30 June.
  • Opening hours: 12 PM to 6 PM.
  • Location: Antwerp City Shop.
  • Price: free.

TAKEOFF Antwerp Startup Fair

“Just like in previous years, young, creative entrepreneurs get the opportunity to put their products in the spotlight during the TAKEOFF Startup Fair. At this entrepreneurial fair, visitors can browse original products and innovative ideas. TAKEOFF Antwerp encourages young student entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards self-employment. At the end of the fair, one of the entrepreneurs has a chance to be permanently admitted to the Antwerp City Shop in Het Steen.

  • Dates: 9 and 10 May.
  • Opening hours: 12 PM to 6 PM.
  • Location: Het Steen cruise terminal.
  • Price: free

Diamond in Het Steen

In June, Het Steen focuses on the Antwerp diamond sector. In a mini-exhibition in the Lounge, visitors can learn all about the fascinating journey a diamond takes every day, and at weekends there are demonstrations by a real jewel cutter.

  • Dates: 3 to 30 June.
  • Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM.
  • Location: Lounge of Het Steen.
  • Price: free.

Puppet Theater Nello & Patrasche

After last year’s success, this authentic puppet theater will return to Het Steen in 2024. The well-known folk tale ‘Nello & Patrasche‘ is movingly brought to life with real puppets and live music. A must-see for children and families.

  • Dates: 15 and 16 June.
  • Opening hours: always at 11 AM and 2 PM.
  • Location: Het Steen cruise terminal.
  • Price: €12

The Face of Antwerp

Photographer Philippe Verhoeven, who previously exhibited his work on the escalators of the Saint Anne’s Pedestrian Tunnel, is invited to realize his own Antwerp photo project in the Lounge of Het Steen. With ‘The Face of Antwerp‘ he provides an objective image of our current Antwerp society based on realistic portraits of a diverse range of residents. The photo exhibition is being organized in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp (KASKA).

  • Dates: 1 July to 1 September.
  • Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM.
  • Location: Lounge of Het Steen.
  • Price: free.

Councilor for Tourism Koen Kennis (N-VA): “The rich program for the coming months proves once again how multifunctional Het Steen has become since its reopening. Our ‘old lady’ is once again buzzing with life, and with more than 500,000 visitors per year it is one of the most visited buildings in Antwerp.”

The full range of activities can be found at visit.antwerpen.be/het-steen.

Art and museums in Antwerp