Red Star Line Museum

Museum · Antwerp

Red Star Line Museum

Museum · Antwerp

Montevideostraat 3, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Highlights

The Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp beautifully narrates the inspiring journey of over 3 million emigrants to America, blending rich history with modern migration themes.

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

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 Mitchell

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.

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.

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 :-)

Szilus

Google

A very interesting and great museum in Antwerp if you can it’s a must visit

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.