Can you visit the Dry Docks today? Although many changes are planned over the coming years, the site is already a fascinating place to explore. Join a guided walk past the impressive docks, admire historic ships, and discover the stories of Antwerp's port. Heritage Day is an ideal opportunity to visit.
Havenwereld visitor centre
On 12 December 2026, a brand-new visitor centre dedicated to the Port of Antwerp will open its doors: Havenwereld. Housed in a striking building where industrial heritage meets contemporary architecture, Havenwereld reveals how the port operates and the role it plays in the wider world.
- Individual visitors: Explore the permanent collection and a range of fascinating temporary exhibitions.
- Schools: Take part in interactive workshops and follow a dedicated discovery trail.
- Companies: Enjoy an inspiring visit or a team-building experience with a maritime twist.
Stormkop
Stormkop is already a lively presence at the Dry Docks, inviting children and young people to play, create, and experiment. Through workshops centred on art, philosophy, science, and adventure, young explorers are encouraged to get hands-on. During school holidays, Stormkop organises creative camps filled with imagination and discovery.
Man Overboord
The arts platform Man Overboord works with young people and young newcomers who speak other languages. Through creative labs, workshops, and longer-term programmes, participants develop their talents and create new stories. Schools are also welcome to take part in inspiring projects.
Rhine and Inland Navigation Museum
Several historic inland waterway vessels are moored at the Dry Docks and can be visited. The Rhine and Inland Navigation Museum presents three remarkable ships:
- Mon Désir (1913), a traditional towing barge
- Liomar (1959), a motorised barge
- Angèle (1923), a historic motor vessel
On board, you'll discover what life was like for skippers and their families in days gone by. Photographs, ship models, original interiors, and paintings bring the history of inland navigation to life.
MPM Maritiem Patrimonium
Several other historic vessels at the Dry Docks are maintained by MPM Maritiem Patrimonium (MPM Maritime Heritage), including:
*M477 Oudenaarde (1958), a shallow-water minesweeper
*West-Hinder III (1950), a lightship featuring beautifully preserved cabins, galley, and engine room
Even more historic vessels
The MAS | Museum aan de Stroom preserves a remarkable collection of historic vessels at the Dry Docks, including:
- Sleepboot 70
- Drijvende Stoomkraan 9
- De Gerlache, a historic sailing barge used as a training vessel
More than fifty historic boats and ships are housed in the Dry Docks workshops and warehouses, each with its own story. The vessel François Musin is managed by GATAM, an organisation that helps people who face barriers to employment gain valuable skills and experience.
Discover this unique collection of vessels
STAB (Sail Training Association of Belgium) is a heritage organisation dedicated to preserving maritime heritage. Its volunteers manage and restore the historic museum ship Williwaw, part of the MAS collection, which also serves as a training vessel for young people and volunteers.
Together with T/S Rupel, the organisation works closely with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Both vessels represent Antwerp and Flanders at international maritime events. In 2024, the two-masted gaff schooner Williwaw won first prize in its class (Class B) during the Tall Ships Race.