Foto: Dave Van Laere
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Maagdenhuis Museum

4.3
·223 reviews·Antwerpen, Belgium

A poignant museum in a 16th-century orphanage, showcasing art and history with a unique social dining experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Foto: Dave Van Laere

Maagdenhuis Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant museum in a 16th-century orphanage, showcasing art and history with a unique social dining experience.

4.3
(223 reviews)

"A beautiful and moving little museum with a fantastic art collection and friendly staff.Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Download the PDF Guide

Essential for understanding exhibits as English signage is limited. Available on the museum's website . :iphone:

Check Out Restaurant Samenloop

Experience a unique culinary training ground for young migrants, offering delicious tastes of their origins . :knifeforkplate:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 223 reviews

Type

Museum

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Orphanage History

Orphanage History

Ground floor

Explore the former girls' orphanage, a moving space with a rich, albeit sometimes undocumented, past.

Art Collection

Art Collection

Exhibition rooms

Admire diverse artworks, including pieces by masters like Jacob Jordaens and Peter Paul Rubens.

Historic Building

Historic Building

The entire museum

Step back in time within this significant 16th-century structure, a testament to Antwerp's architectural heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the History

This museum, housed in a former 16th-century orphanage, offers a poignant glimpse into the past. While some historical details are scarce, the art collection and building itself tell a compelling story. Download the PDF guide from their website beforehand for a richer experience, especially if English signage is limited.Reddit

Plan Your Visit

The Maagdenhuis Museum is a smaller, intimate space, primarily on the ground floor. Consider downloading the museum's PDF guide from their website to enhance your understanding of the artworks and the building's history, as English signage may be limited.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy the restaurant Samenloop
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

GIRLS. On Boredom, Rebellion and Being In-Between is now open at MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp 🩵 Plan your visit until 1 February 2026 #MoMuAntwerp #FYP #Girlhood 🔎 Tentoonstelling, Expo, Exhibition, Exposition, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers, ModeMuseum, Fashion Museum, Museum
@momuantwerp
22.1K likes • 100.6K views

Download the PDF Guide

Essential for understanding exhibits as English signage is limited. Available on the museum's website.Reddit :iphone:

Check Out Restaurant Samenloop

Experience a unique culinary training ground for young migrants, offering delicious tastes of their origins.Reddit :knifeforkplate:

Best of #antwerp with chief creative officer and design consultant David!!! David’s picks: Antwerpen Zuid Tinsel Le Pristine Blueness Nuoc Mam Bakkerij Funk Caffenation Blue Louis Antwerp Verso Renaissance Princess Rosier41 Labels Inc Think Twice T2 Meling Pot Kilo Canelé Milad Ice Cream FoMu Photography Museum MoMu Fashion Museum M HKA Contemporary Art Museum Royal Museum of Fine Art Alain Hens ...
@isaaclikes_
6.7K likes • 155.6K views
Our first official MERRACHI Cafe will open inside our Antwerp store 🍵 A safe space for our girls to come together and enjoy our signature drinks. Opening this Saturday at Huidevettersstraat 16, 2000 Antwerp #merrachi #modest #antwerp #store #opening #cafe #modestfashion #hijabi #girls #matcha #coffee #cgi
@bymerrachi
5.6K likes • 110.2K views

Affordable Entry for Youth

Public under 25 can enjoy the museum for a reduced price of €8.Reddit 🎟️

Intimate Museum Experience

It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused and moving visit without feeling overwhelmed.Reddit :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Tourist advice

I'm planning on visiting Belgium for 3 days with my GF (both 18 and in college). I already kinda have the route made but no one knows their country better then locals so I'm asking you people for suggestions. I will only travel by public transportation, which seems a bit…

Tips

from all over the internet

Download the PDF Guide

Essential for understanding exhibits as English signage is limited. Available on the museum's website.Reddit :iphone:

Check Out Restaurant Samenloop

Experience a unique culinary training ground for young migrants, offering delicious tastes of their origins.Reddit :knifeforkplate:

Affordable Entry for Youth

Public under 25 can enjoy the museum for a reduced price of €8.Reddit 🎟️

Intimate Museum Experience

It's a smaller museum, perfect for a focused and moving visit without feeling overwhelmed.Reddit :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(223 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Maagdenhuis Museum for its beautiful art collection and the poignant history of the former orphanage. The friendly staff and the unique dining experience at Restaurant Samenloop are also highlighted as significant positives. Some note the limited English signage, but recommend the museum's PDF guide as a helpful alternative.

"Wow , was blown away by this pearl in the heart of Antwerp with it’s amazing artwork from different artists , very friendly frontdesk and very clean and easy to visit"

Chrystal Lee

"A small museum, only on the ground floor. It used to be an orphanage for girls, due to lost of documentations, they don’t have enough information about how the orphanage worked and how the kids were treated and where are they now etc. It showcases some art collections and uniforms of the orphanage. Costs €8 for public under 25 years old."

Audrey Laurentia

"Beautiful and moving little museum with a fantastic art collection. Staff are super friendly and helpful, and warned me there aren’t signs in English – but there’s a really thorough PDF guide on the website which I downloaded! It has loads of info on the building, the artworks and of course the history of the orphanage itself. Between that and Google translate I was all set! It’s only small but I really enjoyed my visit."

rachael gibson

What People Like

Beautiful art collection
Moving orphanage history
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Limited English signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Maagdenhuis Museum is centrally located in Antwerp. You can reach it easily by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from other central attractions. Check local public transport schedules for the most direct routes.

Parking in the city center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider a parking garage if you are driving. Research available parking garages in the vicinity of the museum beforehand.

Yes, Antwerp has an efficient public transport system. Buses and trams frequently serve the city center, making it easy to reach the Maagdenhuis Museum. Consult the local transport authority's website for routes and schedules.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Maagdenhuis Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. This ensures you don't arrive when it's closed.

Admission is €8 for the public under 25 years old. Standard admission prices may apply for other age groups. It's advisable to check the museum's website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance can save you time, especially during peak seasons. Check the museum's ticketing page online to see if advance booking is recommended or required.

Yes, there is a discounted price of €8 for the public under 25 years old.Reddit Information on other potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups can usually be found on the museum's official website.

Information regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities, such as wheelchair access and facilities, should be available on the Maagdenhuis Museum's official website. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific inquiries.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum showcases antique furniture, classic paintings by artists like Jacob Jordaens and Peter Paul Rubens, pottery, and uniforms from the orphanage era. The building itself, a former 16th-century orphanage, is also a significant exhibit.Reddit

The museum offers a historical and artistic experience that can be engaging for older children. The story of the orphanage might be particularly interesting. However, it's a quiet museum, so it's best suited for children who can appreciate a more contemplative visit.

As it's a smaller museum, a visit typically takes around 1 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to appreciate the art collection and the historical significance of the building without feeling rushed.Reddit

While specific guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, the museum provides a detailed PDF guide on its website that visitors can download and use to enhance their self-guided tour.Reddit This guide offers in-depth information on the building and artworks.

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage within the museum or inquire at the front desk. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted in historical and art museums.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum features the restaurant Samenloop, where young migrants are trained in culinary arts. It offers a unique dining experience with delicious tastes from their origins.Reddit

Restaurant Samenloop focuses on training young migrants to perfect the tastes of their origins, suggesting a diverse and international menu influenced by various cultures.Reddit

Typically, museum restaurants are accessible to visitors of the museum. It's advisable to check the restaurant's specific opening hours and policies on their website or by contacting the museum directly.

📸 📸 Photography

The historic architecture of the 16th-century building offers beautiful interior shots. The art collection, including paintings and pottery, also provides excellent subjects. Capture the unique atmosphere of the former orphanage.Reddit

Flash photography is generally discouraged in museums to protect artworks from damage. Always look for signs or ask staff if you are unsure about the photography policy.

The main exhibition rooms showcasing the art and historical artifacts are prime spots. The architectural details of the building itself, such as staircases or decorative elements, can also make for striking photographs.Reddit

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