The Red Star Line Museum is a museum in Antwerp, Belgium, that tells the story of the millions of European migrants who embarked on a voyage to America on the Red Star Line ships between 1873 and 1934. The museum is housed in the historic buildings of the Red Star Line company, where the migrants were processed before boarding the ships.
The ticket price for the Red Star Line Museum is 8 euros for adults, 6 euros for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. There are also discounts for groups and families.
The Red Star Line Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and some public holidays.
To get to the Red Star Line Museum, you can take the tram (line 7) or the bus (line 17 or 291) to the Rijnkaai stop, which is right in front of the museum. You can also walk or bike along the Scheldt river, following the signs for the museum. There is a bike parking near the entrance of the museum.
The Red Star Line Museum offers guided tours for groups of up to 20 people, with a choice of different themes and languages. You can book a tour online or by phone at least three weeks in advance. The tours last about 90 minutes and cost 85 euros per group, plus the admission fee.
The Red Star Line Museum has three floors of exhibits that explore the history and experiences of the Red Star Line passengers, from their departure in Europe to their arrival in America. You can see original objects, documents, photos and videos that illustrate their stories. You can also listen to audio testimonies from some of the migrants and their descendants.
Some of the attractions of the Red Star Line Museum include:
- The luggage room, where you can see hundreds of suitcases and trunks that belonged to the migrants.
- The inspection room, where you can learn about the medical examinations and hygiene measures that the migrants had to undergo before boarding.
- The rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Antwerp and its port.
- The temporary exhibitions, which showcase different aspects of migration and cultural diversity.
Some tips and prohibitions for visiting the Red Star Line Museum are:
- You can download a free app that provides an interactive guide to the museum, with audio, video and text information. You can also rent an audio guide at the reception for 3 euros.
- You can take photos and videos in the museum, but without flash or tripod.
- You can bring your own food and drinks to the museum, but you have to consume them in the cafeteria or on the terrace. You cannot eat or drink in the exhibition rooms.
- You cannot bring large bags or backpacks to the museum. You have to leave them in the lockers at the reception.
- You cannot smoke or vape in the museum or on the terrace.
- You have to respect the silence and tranquility of the museum and its visitors. You cannot make loud noises or disturb others with your phone or music.
