Stories of emigrants

Two million passengers, the most famous being Albert Einstein and Irving Berlin, made the crossing from Antwerp to North America on steamships belonging to the Red Star Line. At the Red Star Line Museum on the Eilandje, follow the route those emigrants took. You will discover their story, the story of the shipping company that transported them and the story of the city and port from which they departed. Read testimonies, admire special objects, and view old posters, metres-long ship models, and historical image and sound material. 

In the original harbour sheds

The Red Star Line Museum is housed in the shipping company's original harbour sheds on the Rijnkaai. There, you can discover the collection and the stories at the very same location where passengers were administratively and medically checked. The observation tower, which rises above the sheds like a chimney, provides visitors with a beautiful view over the Scheldt. With a little imagination, you can see the steamships readying to depart for North America. Many passengers travelled to New York and ended up in the Ellis Island processing centre, which fulfilled the same role as the buildings of the Red Star Line buildings. 

Curious about the temporary exhibitions on display right now? 

Explore the Eilandje

There is much more to experience on the Eilandje. The place from which countless emigrants departed is nowadays one of Antwerp's trendiest neighbourhoods. Sailing ships in the marina, a latte at a coffee shop, the new Droogdokkenpark and the spectacular architecture of the Port House... 

With these tips, you can easily fill an entire day.