Antwerp City Hall

UNESCO World Heritage

In 1561, to replace the small and dilapidated Gothic Alderman’s house (Council House) from 1406, the foundation stone for today’s City Hall was laid. Together with several artists and architects, Cornelis Floris – inspired by an Italian palazzo – designed an impressive building in an Antwerp take on the Renaissance style. This grandiose project was an important step in innovating architecture in the Low Countries and also served in other parts of Europe as an example for city halls and buildings with the allure of a grand palace.

In the 19th century, the inner courtyard of this city palace was converted into a monumental stairwell giving access to the magnificent “Schoon Verdiep” (Bel-Étage). Antwerp City Hall has been a protected monument since 1936 and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Thanks to the restoration and intensive renovation from 2018-2022 the ancient building was able to remain the city’s administrative centre. The new “Verlicht Verdiep” (Illuminated Floor) is a surprising and beautiful example of contemporary architecture and the guided walk on the Renaissance balcony is magnificent and memorable.

You can visit this extraordinary City Hall with an expert guide. Almost daily – and yes, even in the evening! – the team of guides gives guided tours for groups. As an individual visitor, you can join the public tours. These are offered several times a month.

The tours are each very different in terms of starting time, length and content. For some, you need to be really mobile due to the many stairs, while other tours are shorter and easier. The information in the red box provides a first glimpse of the different options. In the separate text about each tour, we tell you more about the content and you’ll find practical information to help you make the perfect choice. Whichever tour you choose, a visit to this opulent world heritage site will be a unique and interesting experience!

Choose from 5 guided tours for groups or 4 public tours for individual visitors in the Antwerp City Hall:

SHORT AND SWEET:
“Our Beautiful Floor” or “Guided tour of the Beautiful Floor”
Short guided tour (60 minutes) of the renowned Schoon Verdiep (Beautiful Floor) (*)
SHORT, WITH AN EXTRA TREAT:
“Our Beautiful Floor – extra” or “Guided tour of the Beautiful Floor – extra”
Short guided tour (70 minutes – only offered outside office hours!) of the Beautiful Floor (Schoon Verdiep) (*) including the “Mayor’s Salon”.
MAGNIFICENT AND IN A LITTLE MORE DETAIL:
“The city palace of the Sinjoren (Antwerp residents)” or “Guided tour of the City Hall”
This longer tour (105 minutes) takes you along the façade and through ground floor rooms to the Beautiful Floor (Schoon Verdiep) (*) and explains Antwerp’s pride and diversity.
THE EXCLUSIVE “GRAND TOUR” OF THE CITY HALL (**):
“World heritage, entirely for you” or “Grand guided tour of the City Hall”
Extensive tour (110 minutes – only offered outside office hours!) Along the façade and through ground floor rooms to the most beautiful galleries in the “Beautiful Floor” (Schoon Verdiep) (including the “Mayor’s Salon”), the “First Floor” and the “Illuminated Floor” (Verlicht Verdiep) with panoramic tour of the loggia.
THEME TOUR SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION (**):
“The sustainable renovation of the City Hall” (groups only)
Guided theme tour (105 minutes – only offered outside office hours!) and the significant restoration and renovation (2018-2022) of Antwerp City Hall, including, for example, the new Floris room in the cellar, the “Illuminated Floor” (Verlicht Verdiep) (with the loggia), the modified Council Chamber and the restored “Mayor’s Salon”.

* please note: in the event of exceptional receptions, meetings and ceremonies, there may be occasions when not all galleries of the Beautiful Floor (Schoon Verdiep) may be visited. Your guide will then be happy to tell you a bit more elsewhere.

** please note: for the last two tours, you must really be mobile: there are many stairs that cannot be avoided!

Contact details for visitors

https://www.antwerpen.be/stadhuis

Grote Markt 1
2000 Antwerpen

Opening hours

Monday - Sunday: 09:00- 18:00

The 16th century was a time of unprecedented growth for Antwerp. The city was bursting at the seams, and the small, rather dilapidated city hall was no longer fit for purpose. Antwerp needed a new city hall. Plans for a new city hall were completed in 1561 and Mayor Rockox laid the foundation stone. The beautiful new building was designed to showcase Antwerp’s new-found prosperity. In 1565, construction work was complete and the city hall was opened with a solemn inauguration ceremony. But just 12 years later, disaster struck. Mutinous Spanish soldiers set fire to the new city hall and only the walls were left standing. The people of Antwerp refused to be discouraged and restored the building in under six months.

The arrival of the French revolutionaries at the end of the 18th century meant a new beginning, both for Antwerp and its city hall. The French administration brought many changes, including a new political system. As the outdated city hall was no longer suitable for a modern city, it was time for another renovation. The courtyard was roofed over to make room for a monumental stairwell.

A few years ago, it became clear that the city hall was in need of yet another major overhaul. You can see the results today. The ground floor has been made more accessible and the building has been adapted to meet modern requirements.

Is the Town Hall publicly accessible?
The ground floor is accessible daily from 9am to 6pm. The Schoon Verdiep can only be visited via a guided tour.

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted in the City Hall, except for guide dogs and other certified assistance dogs.