Antwerp: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|MunicipalityCity inlocated Flemishin CommunityFlanders, Belgium}}

| name = Antwerp

| native_name = {{native name|nl|Antwerpen}}

| other_name = {{native name|fr|Anvers}}

| settlement_type = [[City status in Belgium|City]] and [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipality]]

| image_skyline = {{multiple image

| image1 = OlVGrote torenMarkt en Boerentorenin Antwerpen vanaf Linkeroever.jpg

| image_alt =

| image_flag = Flag of Antwerp (City).svg

| flag_size flag_alt = 100x110px

| flag_altimage_shield = Coat of arms of Antwerp = (City).svg

| image_shield shield_alt = Coat of arms of Antwerp (City).svg

| motto nicknames = Atypisch AntwerpenSinjoren (''Atypicaland Antwerp'')Pagadders

| image_map = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=280|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{Coord|51|13|04|N|04|24|01|E|region:BE}}###{{Coord|50|51|N|4|21|E|type:city}}###{{Coord|50|51|N|4|21|E|type:city}}|zoom=SWITCH:9;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;shape;point|marker=city|stroke-width=0.8|switch=Antwerp;Belgium;Europe}}

| mapsize map_caption = 230px

| coordinatesmapsize = 230px
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|13|04|N|04|24|01|E|region:BE|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = {{flag|Belgium}}

| subdivision_type1 = [[Communities, regions, and language areas of Belgium|Region]]

| subdivision_name1 = [[Flanders]]

| subdivision_type2 = [[Provinces of Belgium|Province]]

| subdivision_name2 = [[Antwerp Province|Antwerp]]

| parts_type = <!-- defaults to: Boroughs -->

| parts_style = coll

| parts = [[Districts of Antwerp|Nine districts]]

| p1 = [[Antwerp (district)|Antwerp]]

| government_footnotes =

| leader_party =

| leader_title = [[List of mayors of Antwerp|Mayor]]

| leader_name = [[Bart De Wever]] ([[Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie|N-VA]])

| leader_title1 = Governing&nbsp;parties

| leader_name1 = [[Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie|N-VA]], [[Vooruit (political party)|Vooruit]], [[Open Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten|Open Vld]]

| total_type = [[Municipalities of Belgium|Municipality]]

| unit_pref = Metric

| area_footnotes =

| area_total_km2 = 204.32

| population_footnotes =

| population_as_of = (2023-01-01)

| population_total = 536,079

| population_metro = 1,230,000

| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes|Postcode]]

| postal_code = 2000–2660

| area_code = 03

| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in Belgium|Area code]]

| website = {{URL|https://www.antwerpen.be|antwerpen.be}}

| module =

| footnotes =

| p2 = [[Berchem]]

| p3 = [[Berendrecht-Zandvliet-Lillo]]

| p4 = [[Borgerhout]]

| p5 = [[Deurne, Belgium|Deurne]]

| p6 = [[Ekeren]]

| p7 = [[Hoboken, Antwerp|Hoboken]]

| p8 = [[Merksem]]

| p9 = [[Wilrijk]]

| elevation_max_m =

| elevation_m = 8

| timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]]

| utc_offset = +1

| timezone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]

| utc_offset_DST = +2

'''Antwerp''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Antwerp.ogg|ˈ|æ|n|t|w|ɜr|p}}; {{lang-nl|Antwerpen}} {{IPA-nl|ˈɑntʋɛrpə(n)||Nl-Antwerpen.ogg}}; {{lang-fr|Anvers}} {{IPA-|fr|ɑ̃vɛʁs||LL-Q150 (fra)-Jules78120-Anvers.wav}}) is a [[City status in Belgium|city]] and a [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipality]] in the [[Flemish Region]] of [[Belgium]]. It is the capital and largest city of [[Antwerp Province]], and the third largest city in Belgium by area at {{cvt|204.51|km2}} after [[Tournai]] and [[Couvin]]. With a population of 536,079,<ref name="BelMun2014">On January 1st 2023. Statistics of the Federal Public Service of the Interior: https://www.ibz.rrn.fgov.be/fileadmin/user_upload/fr/pop/statistiques/population-bevolking-20230101.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823165540/https://statbel.fgov.be/nl/themas/bevolking/loop-van-de-bevolking |date=23 August 2022 }}</ref> it is the [[List of citiesmost populous municipalities in Belgium|most populous municipality]] in Belgium, and with a metropolitan population of over 900,0001.2 million people, the country's [[Metropolitan areas in Belgium|second-largest metropolitan regionarea]] after [[Brussels]].{{efn|name=fn1|The [[Brussels-Capital Region]], [[Metropolitan areas in Belgium|whose metropolitan area]] comprises the [[City of Brussels]] itself plus 18 independent municipal entities, counts over 1,700,000 inhabitants, but these communities are counted separately by the [[Statistics Belgium|Belgian Statistics Office]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://statbel.fgov.be/nl/statistieken/cijfers/bevolking/structuur/woonplaats/groot/|title=Statbel the Belgian statistics office|access-date=6 January 2015|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516082938/https://statbel.fgov.be/nl/statistieken/cijfers/bevolking/structuur/woonplaats/groot/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<ref name="BelMetr">{{cite web|title=De Belgische Stadsgewesten 2001|url=http://www.statbel.fgov.be/pub/d0/p009n014_nl.pdf|work=Statistics Belgium|access-date=19 October 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029020131/http://www.statbel.fgov.be/pub/d0/p009n014_nl.pdf|archive-date=29 October 2008}} Definitions of metropolitan areas in Belgium.</ref>

Both economically and culturally, Antwerp is and has long been an important city in the [[Low Countries]], especially before and during the [[Sack of Antwerp|Spanish Fury]] (1576) and throughout and after the subsequent [[Dutch Revolt]]. The [[Bourse ofat Antwerp]], originally built in 1531 and re-built in 1872, was the world's first purpose-built [[commodities exchange|commodity exchange]].{{efn|name=fn2|It was founded before stocks and shares existed, so was not strictly a [[stock exchange]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-31-fi-3623-story.html|title=Antwerp Bourse—World's Oldest—Closes|date=31 December 1997|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=22 March 2019|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225507/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-31-fi-3623-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barcroft.tv/antwerp-stock-exchange-building-belgium-europe-brussels|title=A look inside one of the world's oldest stock exchange buildings|publisher=Barcroft TV|access-date=19 July 2017|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128163442/http://www.barcroft.tv/antwerp-stock-exchange-building-belgium-europe-brussels|url-status=live}}</ref>}} In 1920, the city hosted the [[1920 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]].

Early recorded versions of the name include ''Ando Verpia'' on [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] coins found in the city centre,<ref name="belgiumview.com">[http://www.belgiumview.com/belgiumview/tl1/view0000599.php4 Brabo Antwerpen 1 (centrum) / Antwerpen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171118/http://www.belgiumview.com/belgiumview/tl1/view0000599.php4|date=4 December 2017}} {{in lang|nl}}</ref> Germanic ''{{lang|gem|Andhunerbo''}} from around the time [[Austrasia]] became a separate kingdom (that is, about 567 CE),<ref name="EB1911"/> and (possibly originally Celtic) ''Andoverpis'' in [[Audoin (bishop)|Dado]]'s ''Life of [[St. Eligius]]'' ''(Vita Eligii)'' from about 700 CE. The form ''{{lang|la|Antverpia''}} is [[Neo-Latin]].<ref>[https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/Antverpia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605134819/https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/Antverpia|date=5 June 2020}} German Wiktionary. Retrieved 5 June 2020</ref>

A Germanic ([[Frankish language|Frankish]] or [[Old Frisian|Frisian]]) origin could contain prefix ''{{lang|gem|anda''}} ("against") and a noun derived from the verb ''{{lang|gem|werpen''}} ("to throw") and denote, for example: land thrown up at the riverbank; an [[alluvial deposit]]; a mound (like a [[terp]]) thrown up (as a defence) against (something or someone); or a wharf.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kroniek Antwerpen|url=http://www.avbg.be/kroniek_Antwerpen_0-1200|website=AVBG|publisher=Antwerp Society for Architectural History|access-date=4 June 2020|language=nl|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107231653/http://www.avbg.be/kroniek_Antwerpen_0-1200|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="placenames">{{cite book|last=Room|first=Adrian|title=Placenames of the World|publisher=McFarland & Company|date=1 August 1997|page=[https://archive.org/details/placenamesofworl00room/page/32 32]|isbn=0-7864-0172-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/placenamesofworl00room/page/32}}</ref><ref name="Antwerp">[https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-21476/Antwerp "Antwerp"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225455/https://www.britannica.com/place/Antwerp-Belgium|date=1 February 2023}} ''Encyclopædia Britannica''</ref> If ''Andoverpis'' is Celtic in origin, it could mean "those who live on both banks".<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Gazet van Antwerpen]]|date=13 September 2007|title=Naam Antwerpen heeft keltische oorsprong|url=http://www.gva.be/cnt/aid607049/naam-antwerpen-heeft-keltische-oorsprong|access-date=18 August 2017|language=nl|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128123445/https://www.gva.be/cnt/aid607049/naam-antwerpen-heeft-keltische-oorsprong|url-status=live}} For the relevant passage in the ''Vita Eligii'', see the ''[[Monumenta Germaniae Historica]]'' [https://www.dmgh.de/mgh_ss_rer_merov_4/index.htm#page/700/mode/1up on the Digital MGH (page 700)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604014718/https://www.dmgh.de/mgh_ss_rer_merov_4/index.htm#page/700/mode/1up|date=4 June 2020}} retrieved 4 June 2020 {{in lang|la}}. [[Fordham University]] has published [http://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/eligius.asp an English translation of the ''Vita Eligii'' by Jo Ann McNamara] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225509/https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/eligius.asp|date=1 February 2023}} retrieved 18 August 2017</ref>

There is a [[folklore]] tradition that the name ''Antwerpen'' is from [[Dutch language|Dutch]] ''{{lang|nl|handwerpen''}} ("hand-throwing"). A [[giant (mythology)|giant]] called [[Druon Antigoon|Antigoon]] is said to have lived near the [[Scheldt]] river and extracted a toll from passing boatmen. He severed the hand of anyone who did not pay, and threw it in the river. Eventually the giant was killed by a young hero named [[Silvius Brabo]], who cut off the giant's own hand and flung that into the river. This is unlikely to be the true origin, but it is celebrated by [[Brabo Fountain|a statue]] (illustrated further below) in the city's main market square, the {{lang|nl|[[Grote Markt (Antwerp)|Grote Markt]]|italic=no}}.<ref>Legenden en Mythen [http://www.figy.be/legenden/Antwerpen_Brabo.htm Legende van Brabo en de reus Antigoon]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201213033/http://www.figy.be/legenden/Antwerpen_Brabo.htm|date=1 December 2010}} {{in lang|nl}}</ref><ref name="belgiumview.com"/>

[https://books.google.com/books?id=Fx4OAAAAQAAJ&q=Antwerp+surrender+Protestant&pg=PA18 Google books] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404035144/https://books.google.com/books?id=Fx4OAAAAQAAJ&q=Antwerp+surrender+Protestant&pg=PA18 |date=4 April 2023 }}</ref> Most went to the [[Dutch Republic|United Provinces]] in the north, starting the [[Dutch Golden Age]]. Antwerp's banking was controlled for a generation by [[Genoa]], and [[Amsterdam]] became the new trading centre.

<small>(km²²)</small>

|[[Antwerp (district)|Antwerp]]

With the exception of Ekeren enand Berendrecht-Zandvliet-Lillo, all the districts form together one contiguous inhabited area. The former town halls have been converted into district halls and the former town centers are now local main streets within the larger urban agglomeration.

The historical city of Antwerp consists nowadays of the following neigborhoodsneighborhoods. For a few of them, the postal code has become a cultural reference.

Antwerp's architecture is a fascinating blend of old and new, with a rich cultural heritage spanning from the Gothic and Renaissance periods to contemporary designs. In the 16th century already, the city was noted for the wealth of its citizens ({{lang|la|Antwerpia nummis}}).{{citation needed|date=January 2017}} The houses of these wealthy merchants and manufacturers have been preserved throughout the city. However, fire has destroyed several old buildings, such as the house of the [[Hanseatic League]] on the northern quays, in 1891. During [[World War II]], the city also suffered considerable damage from [[Vergeltungswaffe|V-bombs]]. Here are some of the most notable examples of Antwerp's diverse architecture:

* [[Palace of Justice Antwerp|The Palace of Justice]], a [[Richard Rogers]]' masterpiece, is a stunning modern building with a prominent dome and anmakes innovativeextensive use of glass and steel.

* The [[Zurenborg]] neighborhood is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, featuring intricate details, colorful mosaics, and stained glass windows.

* The Sint-Annatunnel,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Underpass|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/the-underpass|access-date=2023-04-13|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033023/https://visit.antwerpen.be/the-underpass|url-status=live}}</ref> also known as the Voetgangerstunnel, is a 572-meter-long tunnel. It was opened in 1933 and was designed by engineer [[Émile Van Averbeke|Emiel Van Averbeke]]. The tunnel connects the banks of the Scheldt River, linking the historic city center with the Left Bank neighborhood. It is primarily made of reinforced concrete and features an Art Deco style interior design with ceramic tiles, ornamental lighting fixtures, and decorative panels. One of its unique features is the wooden escalator, which has been in operation since the tunnel's opening. Today, the Voetgangerstunnel is a popular tourist attraction and a key transportation link for commuters and visitors to Antwerp.

Antwerp offers a diverse range of parks and recreational areas for locals and tourists to explore. One of the most popular attractions is the [[Antwerp Zoo]]. It was opened on 21 July 21, 1843, making it one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. The zoo covers an area of 10 hectares and is home to more than 5,000 animals from over 950 species. The zoo is located right next to [[Antwerpen-Centraal railway station|Antwerp Central Station]] on the Koningin Astridplein. Antwerp Zoo has played its role in preservation and breeding programmes for several endangered species, including the okapi, the Przewalski horse, the Congo peafowl, the bonobo, the golden-headed lion tamarin, the European otter, and the Knysna seahorse. They take part in the [[EAZA Ex-situ Programme|European Endangered Species Programme]]. On 1 January 1, 1983, the entire park (architecture and garden) was listed as a monument. Other well-known parks include:

* [[Nachtegalen Park]] with several adjacent parks south of Antwerp. The area is 90 hectares in total. The parks were all built around a castle and were acquired by the municipality of Antwerp in 1910. The parks consist of Den Brandt (21 ha), Vogelenzang (40 ha), and [[Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum|Middelheim Park]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Middelheim Museum|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/middelheim-museum-en|access-date=2023-04-13|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413222915/https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/middelheim-museum-en|url-status=live}}</ref> (24 ha) which is famous for its open-air sculpture museum that features over 400 works of art. The park also hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year, making it a popular destination for visitors.

* Hobokense Polder,<ref>{{Cite web|title=A walk around Hobokense Polder|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/a-walk-around-hobokense-polder|access-date=2023-04-13|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413222913/https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/a-walk-around-hobokense-polder|url-status=live}}</ref> is a nature reserve located in the district of Hoboken. It covers an area of about 170 hectares and consists of meadows, fields, wetlands, and forests. The area was originally used for agricultural purposes, but it was transformed into a nature reserve in the 1990s.

| access-date = July 7, 2022}}</ref>

| language = it

| title = Temperature estreme in Antwerpen

| access-date = August 31, 2022}}</ref>}}

!Country of origin !! Population 2019 <ref>{{cite web|access-date=12 April 2023|title=Wachtregister asiel 2012-2021|url=http://www.npdata.be/BuG/469-Migratieachtergrond/|website=npdata.be|archive-date=1 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001034810/http://www.npdata.be/BuG/469-Migratieachtergrond/|url-status=live}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>

! colspan="2"|2001<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Origin {{!}} Statbel|url=https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/population/origin|access-date=2022-02-10|website=statbel.fgov.be|archive-date=18 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218104221/https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/population/origin|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of the important sectors that Armenian communities in Antwerp excel at and are involved in is the [[diamond]] trade business,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=h0tnSn_bVXAC&q=Inside+Knowledge%3A+Streetwise+in+Asia Inside Knowledge: Streetwise in Asia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225604/https://books.google.it/books?id=h0tnSn_bVXAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=Inside%20Knowledge%3A%20Streetwise%20in%20Asia|date=1 February 2023}} p.163</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pOo5CgAAQBAJ&q=Global+Trade+and+Commercial+Networks:+Eighteenth-Century+Diamond+Merchants|title=Global Trade and Commercial Networks: Eighteenth-Century Diamond Merchants|first=Tijl|last=Vanneste|date=6 October 2015|publisher=Routledge|via=Google Books|isbn=9781317323372|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225637/https://books.google.com/books?id=pOo5CgAAQBAJ&q=Global+Trade+and+Commercial+Networks:+Eighteenth-Century+Diamond+Merchants|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.ibtimes.com/indians-shine-antwerp-diamond-centre-polls-417275 Indians shine antwerp diamond centre polls] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803131033/http://www.ibtimes.com/indians-shine-antwerp-diamond-centre-polls-417275|date=3 August 2016}} ''[[International Business Times]]''</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Vs2_HP5x5pgC&q=Belgium+Real+Estate+Yearbook+2009&pg=PA18 Belgium Real Estate Yearbook 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404102916/https://books.google.com/books?id=Vs2_HP5x5pgC&q=Belgium+Real+Estate+Yearbook+2009&pg=PA18 |date=4 April 2023 }} p.23</ref> that based primarily in the [[Antwerp diamond district|diamond district]].<ref name="guardian.co.uk"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baunatdiamonds.com/en/faq/facts-figures-antwerp-and-diamonds|title=Antwerp and diamonds, the facts – Baunat Diamonds|website=baunatdiamonds.com|access-date=2 June 2016|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225616/https://www.bntdiamonds.com/en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=o6CkCgAAQBAJ The Global Diamond Industry: Economics and Development, Volume 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201225616/https://books.google.it/books?id=o6CkCgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover|date=1 February 2023}} p.3.6</ref> Some of the famous Armenian families involved in the diamond business in the city are the Artinians, Arslanians, Aslanians, Barsamians and the Osganians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agbu.org/news-item/the-armenian-of-belgium-an-uninterrupted-presence-since-the-4th-century/|title=The Armenian of Belgium: an Uninterrupted Presence Since the 4th Century|website=AGBU – Armenian non-profit organization|access-date=2 June 2016|archive-date=12 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234553/https://agbu.org/news-item/the-armenian-of-belgium-an-uninterrupted-presence-since-the-4th-century/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Antwerp is the focus of lines to the north to Essen and the Netherlands, east to Turnhout, south to Mechelen, Brussels and Charleroi, and southwest to Ghent and Ostend. It is served by international and [[Thalys]] trains to [[Amsterdam]], [[Rotterdam]] and [[Paris]], and national trains to [[Ghent]], [[Bruges]], [[Ostend]], [[Brussels]], [[Charleroi]], [[Hasselt]], [[Liège]], [[Leuven]] and [[Turnhout]]. [[Antwerpen-Central railway station|Antwerp Central station]] is an architectural monument in itself, and is mentioned in [[W. G. Sebald|W G Sebald]]'s haunting novel [[Austerlitz (novel)|''Austerlitz'']]. Prior to the completion in 2007 of a tunnel that runs northwards under the city centre to emerge at the old Antwerp Dam station, Central was a terminus. Trains from Brussels to the Netherlands had to either reverse at Central or call only at Berchem station, {{cvt|2|km|0|abbr=off}} to the south, and then describe a semicircle to the east, round the Singel. Now, they call at the new lower level of the station before continuing in the same direction.

The current majority consists of N-VA, sp.aVooruit and Open Vld, led by mayor [[Bart De Wever]] (N-VA).

* [[Plantin-Moretus Museum]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Museum Plantin-Moretus|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/museum-plantin-moretus-en|access-date=2023-04-13|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413223436/https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/museum-plantin-moretus-en|url-status=live}}</ref> preserves the house of the printer [[Christophe Plantin|Christoffel Plantijn]] and his successor [[Jan Moretus]]. It has been a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] since 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1185/|access-date=2023-03-15|website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315153241/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1185/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Museum of Contemporary Art, Antwerp|Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA)]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=M HKA, Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/m-hka-museum-of-contemporary-art-antwerp|access-date=2023-04-13|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413223433/https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/m-hka-museum-of-contemporary-art-antwerp|url-status=live}}</ref> the museum holds a permanent collection of contemporary art from Belgian and international artists, an arthouse cinema and an extensive library of books on contemporary art.

* [[Fotomuseum Antwerp]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=MoMu {{!}} Fashion Museum Antwerp|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/mo-mu-fashion-museum-antwerp|access-date=2023-04-13|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413223435/https://visit.antwerpen.be/info/mo-mu-fashion-museum-antwerp|url-status=live}}</ref> also known as '''FOMU''', is a museum of photography

* [[:nl:Red Star Line Museum|Red Star Line Museum]], is a museum about the history of the [[Red Star Line]], which opened on September 28, September 2013.

The band [[Deus (band)|dEUSDeus]] was formed in 1991 in Antwerp. dEUSDeus began their career as a covers band, but soon began writing their own material. Their musical influences range from folk and punk to jazz and progressive rock. [[Blackwave.|black wave]]. (also known as blackwavedot) is an Antwerp hip-hop duo composed of producer Willem Ardui and rapper Jay Walker. Their influences include [[The Roots]], [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], [[Parliament-Funkadelic]] and [[Brockhampton (band)|Brockhampton]]. [[Confetti's]] were a new beat band at the end of the 80's. Their name stems from the name of a nightclub in the Antwerps affluent suburb of [[Brasschaat]]. Their 1st video for 'The Sound of C' was shot on the main Antwerp shopping street. [[Pump Up the Jam]] the eurobeat/dance song that reached top positions in charts worldwide in 1989 was produced in Antwerp. Belgian-Congolese singer [[Ya Kid K]] had Antwerp as her Belgian home base.

Antwerp is known for a diverse range of nightclubs that cater to different tastes. Among these clubs are some of the most famous and notorious in Belgium. [[Cinderella's Ballroom|Cinderella´s Ballroom]] was famous in the 1980´'s.

Antwerp is a rising fashion city, and has produced designers such as the [[Antwerp Six]]. The city has a cult status in the fashion world, due to the [[Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp|Royal Academy of Fine Arts]], one of the most important fashion academies in the world. It has served as the learning centre for many Belgian [[fashion design]]ers. Since the 1980s, several graduates of the Belgian Royal Academy of Fine Arts have become internationally successful fashion designers in Antwerp. The city has had a huge influence on other Belgian fashion designers such as [[Raf Simons]], [[Veronique Branquinho]], [[Olivier Theyskens]] and [[Kris Van Assche]].<ref>{{cite bookjournal|last=Martínez|title=Selling Avant-garde: How Antwerp Became a Fashion Capital (1990–2002)|journal=Urban Studies |date=2007|volume=44 |issue=12 |page=2449 |doi=10.1080/00420980701540879 |bibcode=2007UrbSt..44.2449M |s2cid=154858870 }}</ref> In 2019, Arte won the Fashion brand of the Year award at the Belgian Fashion Awards. The Antwerp label was founded by Bertony Da Silva in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fashion & shopping|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/fashion-shopping|access-date=2023-02-08|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033555/https://visit.antwerpen.be/fashion-shopping|url-status=live}}</ref>

Antwerp is famous for its local products. In August every year the Bollekesfeest takes place. The Bollekesfeest is a showcase for such local products as Bolleke, an amber beer from the [[De Koninck Brewery]]. The city's historical ale, Seefbier,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ons verhaal – Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie|date=21 October 2019 |url=https://seef.be/ons-verhaal/|access-date=24 December 2020|language=nl-NL|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118173951/https://seef.be/ons-verhaal/|url-status=live}}</ref> dating back to the 16th century and brewed at the Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie is a testament to the city's long brewing history and one of Belgium's oldest existing beerstyles. The [[Mokatine]] sweets made by [[Confiserie Roodthooft]], Elixir D'Anvers, a locally made liquor, locally roasted [[coffee]] from Koffie Verheyen, sugar from Candico, Poolster pickled herring and Equinox horse meat, are other examples of local specialities. One of the most known products of the city are its biscuits, the ''[[Antwerpse Handjes]]'', literally "Antwerp Hands". Usually made from a short pastry with [[almond]]s or [[milk chocolate]], they symbolize the Antwerp trademark and folklore. The local products are represented by a non-profit organization, Streekproducten Provincie Antwerpen vzw.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lakker Antwerps|url=https://www.lakkerantwerp.be/|access-date=10 April 2023|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410170213/https://www.lakkerantwerp.be/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Antwerp has grown into the culinary capital of Flanders and Belgium. It has no fewer than eleven restaurants with at least one [[Michelin Guide|MICHELIN]] star. Zilte by Viki Geunes located in the [[Museum aan de Stroom|MAS museum]] even received the ultimate award of three stars.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Food & drinks|url=https://visit.antwerpen.be/food-drinks|access-date=2023-02-08|website=Visit Antwerpen|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033607/https://visit.antwerpen.be/food-drinks|url-status=live}}</ref>

The city of Antwerp was co-host for the 2021 [[World Choir Games]] together with the city of [[Ghent]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=World Choir Games 2021|url=https://antwerpconventionbureau.be/nl/upcoming/world-choir-games-2021/|access-date=10 April 2023|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410170728/https://antwerpconventionbureau.be/nl/upcoming/world-choir-games-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> Organised by the [[Interkultur Foundation]], the World Choir Games is the biggest choral competition and festival in the world.

Antwerp held the [[1920 Summer Olympics]], which were the first games after the [[First World War]] and also the only ones to be held in Belgium.<ref name="sports-reference">{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1920/CYC/mens-road-race-individual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418132504/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1920/CYC/mens-road-race-individual.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 April 2020|title=Cycling at the 1920 Antwerpen Summer Games: Men's Road Race, Individual|publisher=sports-reference.com|access-date=2 August 2015}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200418132506/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/summer/1920/CYC/mens-road-race-team.html Sports-reference.com 1920 Summer Olympics cycling team road race, team] Olympics at Sports-Reference.com</ref> Antwerp hosted the [[2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships]] and was designated by the International Gymnastics Federation as the host city for thein [[2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships|2013]] inand [[2023. TheWorld eventArtistic will take place from September 29 to October 8,Gymnastics Championships|2023]] in the [[Sportpaleis]]. Annually Antwerp hosts the [[European Open (tennis)|European Open]] ATP Tour 250 tennis tournament that takes place in [[Sportpaleis|Antwerp's Sport Palace]]. It was introduced for the [[2016 ATP World Tour]]. Another annually event is the [[Antwerp 10 Miles|Antwerp 10 miles]] and the [[Antwerp Marathon|Antwerp marathon]].