New paving on Antwerp's Wapper, Het Steen welcomes 2 million visitors

The renovation of the Wapper is progressing, while Het Steen celebrates a milestone of 2 million visitors and a new exhibition begins.

Generic image of the facade of a historic town hall in Flanders, with ornate stone carvings and a large arched entrance, bathed in the warm light of late afternoon, clear blue sky.
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Generic image of the facade of a historic town hall in Flanders, with ornate stone carvings and a large arched entrance, bathed in the warm light of late afternoon, clear blue sky.

The renovation of the Antwerp Wapper has begun with new paving, while Het Steen welcomed 2 million visitors five years after reopening, and the exhibition ‘Niet Mijn Keuze’ is launching.

The renovation of the Antwerp Wapper is reaching a new milestone. After months of preparatory works, the contractor has started laying the new paving, making the redesigned square visible. It will be partially accessible to pedestrians again by the end of November. All works are expected to be completed in the spring of 2028.
On October 22nd, it will be five years since Het Steen reopened as a visitor center after extensive renovation and restoration. The iconic building has since welcomed over 2 million visitors. With the interactive experience trail The Antwerp Story, a diverse public offering, and several architectural awards, Het Steen has become an important starting point for visitors wanting to discover Antwerp.
From Monday, October 26th, the traveling exhibition ‘Niet Mijn Keuze’ will be on display at the Antwerp City Hall and Antwerp-Central Station. Featuring ten impactful portraits, the exhibition highlights personal stories about forced marriage and abandonment. This is the first time the exhibition is shown in Belgium and can be visited for free until Monday, November 16th.
Antwerp, Flanders' largest city with 570,000 inhabitants, 180 nationalities, 55,000 students, and 99,000 businesses, is a port city with a rich history. The river Scheldt has always brought new people, ideas, products, and flavors to the city, fostering unique cross-pollination, creativity, and entrepreneurship for centuries. Antwerp represents culture, groundbreaking fashion, culinary highlights, and shopping within walking distance.
Based on information from the official source: Stad Antwerpen — Persberichten (22/10/2026)