Red Star Line Museum

Museum · Antwerp

Red Star Line Museum

Museum · Antwerp

Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Highlights

Explore a captivating museum showcasing the stories of 3 million émigrés to America, complete with engaging exhibits and a stunning panoramic view.

Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium Get directions

redstarline.be

@redstarlinemuseum

@afar

"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

View Postcard for Red Star Line Museum

Jeff Covello

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.

william willis

Google

Visited on a recommendation from a friend. Very interesting presentation and hearing and reading the different stories added a depth to the history of the people travelling across to the US. What they faced and the challenges they were presented with. Not a part of history I knew a lot about but will do a bit of background reading to expand my knowledge

Mike Denham

Google

Without doubt, one of the best museums I’ve ever visited in Europe. The Red Star Line Museum is an absolute must for anyone visiting Antwerp. Excellent exhibitions, devoted volunteers and friendly staff. The human story of European emigration on display is moving and so well told. Days later after visiting, I’m still reflecting on what I learnt and absorbed from this brilliant museum.

Huseyin YILDIRIM

Google

We visited the museum on a weekend afternoon. Very warm welcome at reception. Museum expresses the American Immigration timing European condition and necessity. There is well managed videos to understand the feelings on that timing. Children are also considered; you can see valises on floor for children. You should see the panoramic view from top of the side tower building.

Wim Farasyn

Google

Relive the migration of thousands of people looking for a better life. Nicely done, good variety of formats. Friendly staff. Love the old posters!

serena ney

Google

Visit 4/5/23 in the morning, price for students €6. The museum is very interesting, going into detail about the emigration to the New World / Americas, the passengers last days in Europe and their journey. English translation is not provided for every single image / object, but mainly for the big historical context boards. But at the ticket office they give you a small booklet with the translation and summary of the most important elements in this museum. Some of the videos they show, interview to passengers, are translated, others not. Regardless, this museum is highly Recommended :-)

karen ann

Google

When we went, we went to November so that was considered low season for tourist. There were many children in school groups going through the museum, which was nice to see. The staff was very helpful and informative. The exhibits were well done and thought out. I would recommend this to anybody who has had Family members leave Europe and come to America.

Google

Disappointing visit, paid €10 for an adult ticket (it will be €6 for students between 18 to 26 years old), yet most of the displays are explained in Dutch, I think. Only interactive displays with monitors provided explanations in different languages. Barely understood what was going on, spend most of my time at the interactive display as these are the only ones with English explanations. Would not recommend English speaking tourists to visit as you may barely understand what is going on, unless you use Google translate.

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.