Red Star Line Museum
Explore the poignant journeys of millions who sailed to America seeking a new life, told through personal stories.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Red Star Line Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the poignant journeys of millions who sailed to America seeking a new life, told through personal stories.
"One of the best museums I have been to, telling stories of real people."
📚 Multilingual Booklets
Grab a booklet upon entry for text in your language, as wall plaques are often in Dutch/Flemish.
☕ Honesty Cafe
Enjoy free drinks and use computers for genealogy research at the unique 'Honesty Cafe'. Donations welcome!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emigrant Stories
Experience the poignant journeys of millions seeking a new life through personal accounts and interactive displays.
The Tower View
Ascend the tower for panoramic views of Antwerp's historic harbor area, offering a unique perspective.
Interactive Kids' Trail
Engage younger visitors with a specially designed museum trail and game, making history fun and accessible.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Multilingual Booklets
Grab a booklet upon entry for text in your language, as wall plaques are often in Dutch/Flemish.
☕ Honesty Cafe
Enjoy free drinks and use computers for genealogy research at the unique 'Honesty Cafe'. Donations welcome!
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly absorb the moving stories and interactive elements.
📱 Audioguide Option
Opt for an audioguide to deepen your understanding of the passenger's experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Multilingual Booklets
Grab a booklet upon entry for text in your language, as wall plaques are often in Dutch/Flemish.
☕ Honesty Cafe
Enjoy free drinks and use computers for genealogy research at the unique 'Honesty Cafe'. Donations welcome!
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to truly absorb the moving stories and interactive elements.
📱 Audioguide Option
Opt for an audioguide to deepen your understanding of the passenger's experiences.
📸 Postcard Souvenirs
Pick up vintage Red Star Line advertisement postcards from the shop for a unique memento.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Red Star Line Museum for its deeply moving and personal portrayal of emigrant journeys. The interactive exhibits and the 'Honesty Cafe' are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While some wish for a physical ship display, the overall consensus is that it's a well-presented, touching, and worthwhile museum experience.
"Small but interesting museum, friendly staff, well worth the entrance fee! Kids have interactive activities. For 18-25 year olds the ticket is 6 euros. When you walk in they provide you with a booklet which contains all the text information in your language as well, as the walls sometimes contain plaques in french and English but mostly only Flemish/Dutch. The museum has lockers, bathrooms and water fountain, and the "Honesty Cafe" with free drinks (donations wanted) and computers to research genealogy. The tower has a nice view. The shop has postcards of the old advertisements for 1.50 which is great. Overall friendly staff, good museum."
Aeryn Rowe
"One of the best museums in Antwerp. It is located near the port. There are so many historic pieces and documents that you can easily spend over 2 hours exploring it entirely. The guided tours can be booked on their site in advance, but there is also an audioguide option. There are lots of interactive corners where you can learn about the lives of some of the passengers."
C. C.
"One of the best museums I have been to. If you want to experience how it feels to be an immigrant as they flee political unrest and poverty in their country etc to go to America then this is for you. So many interactive displays and stories from real immigrants that have been included in this presentation. It took me 3:30 hours to accomplish this gem. I like to enjoy all of the activities and read as much of the captions as possible. This was so telling, about how it feels to leave everything behind and no matter how treacherous the journey start a new life. I have a better understanding now. Highly recommend this museum."
Wanita Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Red Star Line Museum is located in Antwerp's historic harbor area, Het Eilandje. It's accessible by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. If driving, check for parking options; some visitors mention needing to find Red Star Line Museum parking.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the museum. It's advisable to check for 'Red Star Line Museum parking' options in advance, as availability can vary.
Absolutely! Antwerp has a good public transport network. Several bus routes serve the area around the museum, making it easily accessible without a car.
The harbor area, Het Eilandje, is charming and best explored on foot or by bike. The museum's location makes it a great starting point for discovering other attractions like the MAS Museum. 
Yes, the Red Star Line Museum is an excellent option for a day trip from Brussels. The train journey to Antwerp is frequent and relatively short, allowing ample time to explore the museum and the surrounding harbor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, with a special reduced rate of 6 euros for visitors aged 18-25. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book Red Star Line Museum tickets in advance.
While not always strictly required, purchasing your Red Star Line Museum tickets online is a good idea, especially during busy periods, to ensure entry and potentially save time queuing.
Yes, visitors aged 18-25 can benefit from a discounted ticket price of 6 euros. Always check the museum's official site for current offers and eligibility.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Red Star Line Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Tickets for the Red Star Line Museum are generally available for purchase upon arrival, but booking online is recommended to guarantee your entry, especially during peak times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Red Star Line Museum tells the universal story of hope, dreams, and the quest for happiness through the experiences of 20th-century emigrants who sailed to America. It's housed in the original departure warehouses.
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours are needed to fully explore the museum. Some spend over 3.5 hours to read all the captions and engage with every activity.
Yes, the museum features many interactive displays and personal stories from real emigrants, making the history engaging and relatable. There's also a dedicated trail for children.
Yes, the museum offers a nice museum trail or game specifically designed for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.
While some plaques are in Flemish/Dutch and English, the museum provides booklets with text information in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum features an 'Honesty Cafe' where visitors can enjoy free drinks (donations are welcome) and use computers for research. It's a unique concept rather than a traditional cafe.
The museum is located in the revitalized harbor area, Het Eilandje, which has seen a surge in coffee bars and eateries. You'll find various dining options nearby.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally best to consume outside food before or after your visit. The 'Honesty Cafe' offers complimentary drinks for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted. It's always best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival.
The tower offers great views of the harbor, and the museum's architecture itself is photogenic. Capturing the emigrant stories and interactive displays can also lead to powerful images.
You can purchase postcards featuring old Red Star Line advertisements from the museum shop, which are great for photos or as souvenirs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧑🎓 Young Adults (18-25)
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Star Line: A Gateway to America
+1The experience of emigrating was fraught with challenges, from the initial decision to leave everything behind to the often arduous sea voyage. The Red Star Line Museum meticulously reconstructs this experience, using personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays to convey the emotions, hopes, and fears of the passengers. Visitors can learn about the immigration process, the conditions on board, and the eventual arrival in a new land.
While the museum focuses on the human stories, it's important to note that there isn't a physical Red Star Line boat on display, which some visitors have mentioned missing. However, the comprehensive exhibition and the evocative atmosphere more than compensate for this, providing a deep and moving insight into a significant chapter of history.
Experiencing Emigration Through Interactive Storytelling
A key feature highlighted by visitors is the interactive museum trail designed for children. This gamified approach allows younger visitors to engage with the exhibits in a fun and educational way, making the complex history of emigration more accessible to them. It ensures that the museum is not just an adult-oriented historical site but a place where families can learn together.
The museum also offers practical amenities that enhance the visitor experience. Lockers are available for storing belongings, and the 'Honesty Cafe' provides a unique space for reflection with complimentary drinks and computers for genealogical research. This thoughtful provision of services contributes to a comfortable and enriching visit.
Social
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