Right in the heart of the lively neighbourhood around Centraal Station, you'll find De Winkelhaak, one of the city's most important creative hubs. Having started out as a space for young designers and entrepreneurs, De Winkelhaak has now become a fixture of the design scene in the city of Antwerp.
A hotspot of creativity
De Winkelhaak was set up in 2002 as a place where talented creators could flourish and experiment. Today, the building is home to start-ups, designers and established agencies that work together, exchange ideas and develop new projects. With flexible workspaces, offices, and event spaces, it’s a dynamic environment where entrepreneurship and creativity support and enhance each other. The building is also the home of ANTWERP. POWERED BY CREATIVES.
Where design is something you can touch
What makes De Winkelhaak special for visitors is that when you go there, you don't just see design – you experience it, too. Among other things, you'll find:
- exhibitions and presentations of (local) design
- a design shop featuring products by Antwerp-based makers
- events, talks, and workshops that are regularly open to the public
This way, you'll not only discover the final result of the design, but also the story behind the process.
Bar Oscar: Coffee among the creatives
At the heart of the building is Bar Oscar, a coffee bar where creative professionals, entrepreneurs and visitors come together. It's a place to take a break, find inspiration, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the site. While you're there, it's highly likely that you'll be sitting next to a designer or the founder of a start-up.
A neighbourhood on the move
De Winkelhaak is located in a neighbourhood that has undergone significant changes in recent years. Thanks to its location near the railway station, the site is easily accessible, while the mix of culture, entrepreneurship and new initiatives creates a constant sense of vitality in the area.
See for yourself
Want to experience the creative side of Antwerp up close? Step inside De Winkelhaak, visit an exhibition, grab a coffee at Bar Oscar and discover how design comes to life here every day: openly, experimentally and in a state of constant evolution.