The ancient castle Het Steen has stood on the Antwerp waterfront since the 11th century. It used to be a rather old-fashioned museum of shipping. But then the architect firm noArchitecten was commissioned to add an extension in a sober modern style using pale brick, wood and glass.
The new building is occupied by a visitor centre, souvenir shop and cruise terminal. You can climb to the roof terrace for an unexpected view of the river and the old town.
The old Het Steen is now occupied by an interactive museum dedicated to the city and port.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
