The rebirth of a masterpiece

Shopping break in Antwerp – with a glass of champagne?

Antwerp’s Stadsfeestzaal reopened its doors once more to the public on 25 October 2007 – beautifully timed for the 2007 Christmas shopping season.

Iconic buildings like this give a whole new meaning to shopping, turning Christmas shopping into a real pleasure, into a new experience.

So, let’s hope you’re taking the car to make shopping even easier! A mere 1hour 40minutes from Dunkerque and you’re already there!

Be one of the first to enjoy this new shopping experience

This original 19thC neoclassical building, one of Antwerp’s conservation triumphs, is back to its former glory after severe fire damage in 2002. The people of Antwerp can meet each other and shop in these palatial surroundings again. Every historic detail has been carefully restored, including the enormous glass dome and gold-leaf finishes.

Browse, shop, relax over a glass of champagne at the Laurent Perrier champagne bar, or enjoy a bird’s eye view over the entire hall from the ‘champagne glass’ structure that rises 7.5metres to provide a glass-floored viewing gallery.

This is a unique building. You have never experienced the like!

The Stadsfeestzaal is in the heart of Antwerp’s famous shopping districts. To one side, Hopland with its range of luxurious shops; and to the other Meir, Antwerp’s most popular shopping street. There’s virtually nothing you’d want to shop for that you won’t find here. Antwerp has always been a prosperous city as witnessed by its fine buildings.

Interested in diamonds?

If it’s diamonds you’re after, those too you will find in abundance in Antwerp in the diamond district close to the Central Station. Antwerp is after all a world centre for the diamond trade.

A visit to the world’s largest diamond museum is a great way to learn about what makes diamonds such treasured and stunningly beautiful possessions. There’s a museum shop where you can buy stylish gifts and books about diamonds. The museum also organises guided tours of the collection together with a ‘diamond walk’ through the city. Visit the Diamantmuseum.

Address: Diamantmuseum Provincie Antwerpen, Koningin Astridplein 19-23, B-2018 Antwerpen. Tel: +32 (0)3 202 48 90 For guided tours/walks, phone: +32 (0)3 203 95 30

Opening times: 10am to 5.30pm (last entry at 5 pm) everyday except Wednesday (unless it’s a public holiday); closed 25 & 26 December and 1st January; closed 10-21 January.

Admission (including use of audio-guide) per person: adults 6€; senior citizens, children aged 12+ and young adults (under 25): 4€; children under 12: free.