Grote Markt, lady stands next to statue of Brabo and looks at City Hall decorated with flags

Town Hall

Town Hall

On Grote Markt, you can't miss the Town Hall. The impressive building, along with the Brabo statue, is the focal point of the square. Curious about what there is to see inside?

Architecture

The Town Hall, today the beating heart of Antwerp politics, was built in the 16th century. Architect Cornelis Floris de Vriendt chose a unique combination of a traditional style with innovative elements from the Italian Renaissance. In 1936, the building was officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Exterior facade

After a thorough restoration between 2018 and 2022, the building now shines like never before, both inside and out. The exterior facade has been restored in keeping with the colour palette of a 1565 engraving. Admire the flags of the 27 countries that belong to the European Union, as well as the flags of all the countries that have their consulates in Antwerp. 

City Hall façade with colourful flagsAn aerial view of the fairylike illuminated City Hall and Grand Place at night. In the background, we can see the Scheldt River.Grote Markt, view of Brabo and part of City Hall

Interior

Step through the new central entrance hall on Grote Markt and enjoy the open-plan foyer. Before the renovation, this was still a cluttered set of corridors and rooms. On the upper floors, also radically altered, the mayor, aldermen and cabinets have their offices. There you will also find the famous Trouwzaal (Wedding Hall) and Wandelzaal (Long Gallery), along with the meeting rooms for the board and City Council. Would you like to explore the full splendour of the building? Then book the highly recommended guided tour. 

City hall, majestic staircase hall with murals and wood carvings and a glass roofTown hall, the wedding hall on the floor "het Schoon Verdiep" with exuberant chandeliers, beautiful carvings and muralsCity Hall, room on the floor " het Schoon Verdiep" with carvings and statues decorating the door. Old paintings hang on the wall.
View at the Grote Markt with guild houses and Brabo fountain.

Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the beating heart of the historic city centre.