Discover the impressive history of the Handelsbeurs.
After twenty years of vacancy, this nineteenth-century neo-Gothic jewel shines as never before. Just as in the 16th century, the Handelsbeurs is an inspiring meeting place and economic attraction. During the Antwerp Golden Age, this 'mother of all fairs' was the model for many other fairs in Europe. The magical monument burned down completely in 1583 and in 1858, only to rise again from its ashes each time.
The New Stock Exchange is rising in Antwerp. As the 'mother of all fairs', it is the inspiration for many other European fairs.
Coloured print after a 16th-century copper engraving by Petrus Van der Borch.
Fate strikes. A fire completely destroys the stock exchange building.
© FelixArchives Antwerp
The new Handelsbeurs - a beautiful neo-Gothic monument designed by architect Jos Schadde - is inaugurated.
© FelixArchives Antwerp
The Handelsbeurs is expanded with a separate Fondsenbeurs, later the Schippersbeurs.
From the private collection of Hugo De Beul
During his visit to the Handelsbeurs, Winston Churchill was made an honorary citizen of Antwerp.
© FelixArchives Antwerp
The stock exchange closes its doors and moves to Brussels.
© FelixArchives Antwerp
The building is no longer safe and is closed by order of the fire department.
© FelixArchives Antwerp
The Handelsbeurs is fully restored, the first events take place again after twenty years of vacancy.
Tim Fischer
Stroll around the impressive Beursplein. Follow in the footsteps of its medieval visitors. Taste the atmosphere of this historical trading place and relive the Golden Age of Antwerp. Cross the beautiful gallery and walk from the Meir (passage Twaalfmaandenstraat) to the Lange Nieuwstraat (passage Borzestraat).
Visit Handelsbeurs Antwerpen on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
In case of private or public events, access to the fair is limited or not available. Always check the date on the website before your visit. In function of certain events, the entrance for visitors may also change.
Handelsbeurs Antwerp is located in the historic centre of Antwerp, a 10-minute walk from Central Station and in the vicinity of tram and bus. The Handelsbeurs has an underground car park with access via Sint-Katelijnevest 55. Q-Park Handelsbeurs It has 284 parking spaces. Visitors have direct access to the event location via the car park.
The Handelsbeurs is accessible via the Borzestraat 31 entrance (side street of Lange Nieuwstraat) or via the Twaalfmaandenstraat entrance (side street of Meir, the largest shopping boulevard in Flanders).
Registered office Handelsbeurs Antwerpen
Borzestraat 31
2000 Antwerp
