MSMR recently visited Antwerp, Belgium, for our annual office trip.
Throughout our visit, we were struck by the rich architectural diversity of the city. We arrived at Antwerp Central Station, an impressive edifice with lavish stone detailing and monumental design reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. Just opposite our hotel stood the Cathedral of Our Lady, a towering Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline.
After a lunch overlooking the port, we took a boat cruise around Eilandje - a district that has undergone recent regeneration and is home to both the striking Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) and the Havenhuis.
Later, we walked to the Rubenshuis, the historic residence and studio of the master painter. Here we were given a presentation of the ongoing masterplan and a tour of the museum, which is an impressive blend of modern interventions, the Flemish heritage of the artists former home, and Italianate-style curated gardens.
To end the day, we dined at Samenloop, a discreet yet remarkable restaurant tucked away in a historic 17th-century building.
After 25 years in business this trip felt like a fitting opportunity to celebrate and thank the team that has shaped MSMR.
