Red Star Line Museum

Museum · Antwerp ·

Red Star Line Museum

Museum · Antwerp ·

Tells emigration stories, highlights migration today, interactive exhibits

Information

Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

"From Europe to America, This Museum Tells the Tale A lowly warehouse in Antwerp may not seem like a life-changing sort of place. However, this was the start of a completely new life for over 2 million emigrants and a lifesaver for many of them. The brand new Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp tells the story of these emigrants, who bravely travelled from Eastern Europe to North America, leaving everything they knew behind. Although the Red Star Line Museum primarily focuses on the immigrants who travelled on board RSL ships, there is also a modern side to the story. On the ground floor, the exhibit ‘Always on the Move’ deals with the current state of migration around the world. Coupled with temporary photography exhibits, this modern section of the museum reminds us that, even today, emigration isn’t always a choice for the migrants. The Red Star Line Museum tells a powerful and important story in a beautiful and moving way. It should be on the ‘must visit’ list for all expats and descendants of immigrants, so we never forget the struggle our ancestors made on our behalf. More Information: http://cheeseweb.eu/2013/10/red-star-line-immigration-museum-antwerp-belgium/"

A Weekend in Antwerp

Red Star Line Museum

@ricksteves

702 Postcards · 219 Cities

Antwerp Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"▲ Illustrates the "other end" of the Ellis Island experience, where emigrants were processed on their way to the New World." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/belgium/antwerp

Red Star Line Museum

Gordie H.

Google

This is a very well-curated and relevant museum showcasing the history of human migration as well as the history of the Red Star Line in Antwerp. Millions of people, including my own ancestors, took their last steps in Europe on their journey to the Americas here. So glad this place is being preserved.

Aeryn R.

Google

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.

C. C.

Google

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.

Wanita M.

Google

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.

Lucia T.

Google

+ very nice museum trail / game for kids + modern, captivating but not entirely intriguing + true stories, real people/families, very touching - The museum is located in the harbor but there is no red starline boat (or at least a near-real maquette of a boat) included in the exhibition. We missed that.

Jeff C.

Google

I love ocean liners, and this museum was a gold mine for learning about golden age ocean travel and the emigration from Europe to Canada and the U.S. it is filled with terrific old marketing materials promoting the red star line. I love the design of these ocean liner posters and pamphlets and spent a couple hours just admiring the details in them. As an American, the story of European immigration isn’t new to me, so I can’t say that I learned a ton but the museum is incredibly well curated and tells the story of immigration and this shipping line very well. This was my favorite spot in Antwerp and a must-see.

Stuart B.

Google

It's a fair walk from Old Town but there's a very friendly welcome at the Ticket desk; including a quick outline of the visit, the lockers and the (honesty) cafe. They handed out very nice English guides but most exhibits have Dutch, French & English information or subtitles. The presentation of material follows the history of the Red Star Line but brings into the spotlight how emigrants had to contend with multiple hurdles and hardships. There are many artefacts from the period and you are literally in the 'disinfecting station' of the early 20th century! Fascinating history with several personal stories told on videos. There is also archive video and photos to provide a real feel of the experience.

Benjamin de K.

Google

So this museum successfully pulled of turning a lesser important part of his history (in the grand scheme of events that is) into a pleasant and charming experience. Not an easy task at all, well done!

Gary R.

Yelp

This museum was on our must visit list while in Belgium. Antwerp was the origin point for all the immigrants that came through Ellis Island and everyone came via the Red Star Line. The history, stories, description and depiction of the travel accommodations, interviews with some of the passengers, the trials to cross Europe just to get to Antwerp, the struggles... awe inspiring. I left here with a profound appreciation for the commitment of these people to find a better life. They do an amazing job over 3-4 floors bringing this epic individual journey to life. A visit here will stay with you for a very long time.

C Z.

Yelp

This museum was well worth a visit. It was the 'reverse' of Ellis Island in New York, which received so many immigrants. These well done exhibit(s) showcased the history of the many immigrants who left Antwerp to head out to the new world, for hopefully a better life. The better life did not materialize for many individuals, but to see the pictures and to read the information regarding the passage of thousands of immigrants from Eastern and Western Europe was truly worth the afternoon's visit.

Kim S.

Yelp

Perfect location for a museum. Love the neighborhood! Make sure to wonder around the neighborhood if you visit the museum. I would grade this museum on a scale of a B. It's a nice museum but they could have really extended it in so many ways. As a historian and someone with 2 degrees in history, I was really excited about Antwerp enlighting people about their history and connection to America. If you have a passion for history or your just looking for a great area to sightsee, then I would strongly suggest heading in this direction.