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Antwerp Port House

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Antwerp Port House is an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and completed in 2016 to serve as the headquarters for the Port of Antwerp. The building uniquely integrates a restored 20th-century fire station, a protected monument dating back to 1922, with a futuristic, diamond-shaped glass extension. This 100-meter-long structure floats above the original station and is composed of hundreds of triangular glass facets that reflect the surrounding light and water, symbolizing Antwerp's status as a diamond trade hub. Sustainability was a core focus of the design, incorporating geothermal energy systems and advanced water management to minimize its environmental footprint. Standing at 46 meters high, the facility provides flexible workspace for over 500 employees and acts as a symbolic gateway to one of Europe's largest maritime ports. The extension's complex steel frame weighs approximately 1,500 tons and is supported by two massive concrete pillars rising through the historic courtyard. By blending heritage with radical modernism, the Port House has established itself as a global icon of innovative urban redevelopment.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: M477 Oudenaarde · West-Hinder 3 · Rijn- en Binnenvaartmuseum
Nearby: Kapellen (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	3	6	10	13	17	19	18	15	11	7	3
Rain mm	69	61	55	38	59	63	75	79	55	63	69	78

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Port House in Antwerp is the headquarters of the port authority and is usually not open to the public. The impressive building by Zaha Hadid can be viewed from the outside.

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Typical hours

As it is an administrative building, there are no public opening hours. However, the surrounding grounds are always accessible to admire the architecture.

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Photography

Photography of the building from the outside is unrestricted and highly recommended. Entering the inner courtyard or private areas is not allowed without permission.

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Time needed

An exterior visit to admire the architecture and take photos takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you also want to explore the surroundings and the port, allow 30 to 45 minutes.

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Combine with

The Port House is in the port district of Antwerp, near the MAS Museum and the Kattendijkdok. Combine the visit with a port cruise or a walk along the quays.

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Getting there

Port House is accessible by tram (line 1 or 5) to 'Pils' stop, then a 5-minute walk. By car, follow the N180 and park in the 'Port House' parking garage.

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Insider tip

The best viewpoint for a photo is from the footbridge over the road in front of the building. Visit in the late afternoon when the light illuminates the facade beautifully.

Geography

Coordinates

51.24110, 4.40720

Facts

The building was officially inaugurated on September 22, 2016.
The glass extension covers a total surface area of 6,000 square meters.
The steel structure of the extension weighs exactly 1,500 tons.
The original fire station building dates back to its completion in 1922.
The Port House provides working space for approximately 500 staff members.
The structure reaches a total height of 46 meters above the ground.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MAS Museum1 km · SExplore →

Merksem2 km · EExplore →

Antwerp Central Station3 km · SExplore →

Port of Antwerp-Bruges5 km · NWExplore →

Rivierenhof6 km · SEExplore →

Kapellen7 km · NExplore →

Brasschaat8 km · NEExplore →

Mortsel9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Antwerp Port House (10)

M477 Oudenaarde

A former Belgian Navy patrol boat, now moored as a visitor attraction in Antwerp's port.

🕒 Mar-Oct Sa[1] 10:00-16:00

West-Hinder 3

A former lightship from the North Sea, now serving as a museum ship in Antwerp.

🕒 Sa[1] 10:00-16:00

Rijn- en Binnenvaartmuseum 🏛 museum

Museum on the history of inland navigation on the Rhine and Scheldt, with models and original boats.

🌐 rijnenbinnenvaartmuseum.be🕒 Apr 15 - Oct 15 We 14:00-18:00; Sa[1] 10:00-15:00🆓

Ondiepwater patrouillevaartuig

A shallow-draft patrol vessel, built for operations in shallow waters.

Stormkop

A contemporary arts and performance centre housed in a former grain silo.

🌐 stormkop.be

Uitkijktoren Royerssluis

Observation tower at the Royers Lock, offering a wide view over the port of Antwerp.

Noorse Zeemanskerk

Church in Antwerp serving as a meeting place and place of worship for Norwegian seamen.

Art Forum

Gallery for modern and contemporary art in Antwerp, hosting rotating exhibitions.

Remy - Wezenbeek

Art gallery showcasing works by Remy and Wezenbeek, often featuring local artists.

Red Star Line Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Antwerp telling the story of the Red Star Line emigrant ships.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the building?

The building was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid.

Can you visit the interior?

Yes, guided tours are offered regularly, though they often need to be booked in advance.

What was the building before?

The lower part is a former fire station, topped with the modern glass structure.

Is there a cafe or restaurant there?

There is no public canteen, but cafes are located in the nearby port area.

How do you get there from the city?

Best by tram line 24 or by bicycle along the harbor basins.

Antwerp Port House: where is it located?

Antwerp Port House is located in Belgium.

Antwerp Port House: what is there to see?

Highlights include M477 Oudenaarde, West-Hinder 3, Rijn- en Binnenvaartmuseum.

Antwerp Port House: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Antwerp Port House: why is it worth visiting?

The Antwerp Port House is an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and completed in 2016 to serve as the headquarters for the Port of Antwerp.

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