How long does it take to walk the Antwerp Fashion District?

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to admire the architecture, browse boutiques on Nationalestraat, and stop at the MoMu museum.

Who are the Antwerp Six?

The Antwerp Six are a group of influential fashion designers who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the early 1980s, including Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, and Walter Van Beirendonck. They are credited with putting Antwerp on the global fashion map.

Is the Fashion Museum (MoMu) worth visiting?

Yes, MoMu is world-renowned for its conceptual exhibitions and extensive archive of Belgian fashion. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the technical and artistic side of clothing.

Can I visit the Royal Academy of Fine Arts?

While the classrooms and studios are generally closed to the public to protect student work, you can walk through the historic campus courtyards and visit the academy's library or public exhibitions when available.

What is the 'Fashion Church' in Antwerp?

St. Andrew’s Church is known as the 'Fashion Church' because it occasionally features a statue of the Virgin Mary dressed in high-fashion garments designed by alumni of the Royal Academy.

Are shops in the Antwerp Fashion District open on Sundays?

Generally, no. Most boutiques in the Fashion District are closed on Sundays, except for 'Shopping Sundays' which usually occur on the first Sunday of the month.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route follows flat city sidewalks and is very stroller-friendly. The Fashion District is one of the most walkable and accessible parts of Antwerp.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 45 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Antwerp is a global fashion powerhouse, a city where avant-garde design meets historic cobblestones. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the creative heart of the city, focusing on the Fashion District where the legendary 'Antwerp Six' transformed the international style scene in the 1980s. Unlike other European capitals that lean on tradition, Antwerp’s fashion identity is built on rebellion, artistic integrity, and a unique blend of craftsmanship and conceptual art. This neighborhood stroll takes you through the streets where modern icons like Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester first made their mark, revealing how a small Belgian city became a rival to Paris and Milan. As you navigate this walking route, you will encounter the MoMu, or Fashion Museum, which houses one of the world's most significant archives of contemporary dress. You will also see the Modepaleis, the flagship store of Dries Van Noten, which remains a temple for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. But the story isn't just about high-end boutiques; it’s about the synergy between the city's historic fabric and its modern creative output. From the alternative streetwear of Kammenstraat to the 'Fashion Church' of St. Andrew’s, where the Virgin Mary wears designer robes, the route highlights how style is woven into the very soul of the city. The journey concludes at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the prestigious institution that continues to produce the world’s most innovative designers. This walking tour Antwerp offers a deep dive into the evolution of Belgian style, allowing you to discover the boutiques, galleries, and landmarks that define the Antwerp aesthetic at your own pace. Whether you are a dedicated follower of fashion or simply curious about the city's artistic heritage, this self-guided adventure provides an insider's look at the district that continues to influence what the world wears. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The world-renowned MoMu Fashion Museum
Dries Van Noten’s iconic Modepaleis
St. Andrew’s Church and its 'designer' Madonna
The historic Royal Academy of Fine Arts
The trendy, alternative shops of Kammenstraat
The bustling heart of the Fashion District on Nationalestraat

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp

Start your journey at the MoMu, the spiritual home of Belgian fashion. Located in the ModeNatie building, this isn't a traditional museum with a permanent collection on display; instead, it features rotating thematic exhibitions that dive deep into specific designers or social trends. The building also houses the Flanders Fashion Institute and the fashion department of the Royal Academy. The MoMu is celebrated for its immersive storytelling and its massive archive of over 30,000 items. Note that because exhibits change frequently, it is always worth checking what is currently on display before heading inside. Even from the outside, the architecture signals the city's commitment to modern design.

2

Kammenstraat

Just a short walk from the high-end boutiques, Kammenstraat offers a different side of Antwerp’s style. This street is the epicenter of the city's alternative and streetwear scene. In the 1990s, it transformed from a quiet street into a vibrant hub for subcultures, featuring everything from vintage clothing and vinyl shops to tattoo parlors and cutting-edge urban labels. It provides a fascinating contrast to the more polished Nationalestraat nearby. As you walk, look for the unique storefronts and local creatives who keep this area feeling rebellious and fresh. It is the perfect place to see how Antwerp’s youth culture influences its broader fashion identity.

3

Dries Van Noten (Modepaleis)

You are standing before the Modepaleis, the flagship store of Dries Van Noten, perhaps the most famous member of the Antwerp Six. This corner building, formerly a 19th-century department store, was restored by Van Noten in 1989 and remains a landmark of the district. The interior often mirrors the designer's love for rich fabrics, floral prints, and ethnic influences. Unlike many global brands that belong to large conglomerates, Van Noten remained independent for decades, embodying the Antwerp spirit of creative freedom. Even if you aren't shopping, the window displays are legendary and function as street-side art installations that change with each season.

4

St. Andrew's Church

While it may seem unusual to include a church on a fashion walk, St. Andrew's is known as the 'Fashion Church.' This 16th-century building sits in what was once one of Antwerp's poorest neighborhoods. In 2001, to celebrate the 'Year of Fashion,' the church collaborated with the fashion department of the Royal Academy. The statue of the Virgin Mary was outfitted in a designer dress created by Ann Demeulemeester. This tradition of 'dressing' the Madonna has continued, bridging the gap between the city’s deep religious roots and its contemporary artistic flair. Inside, you can also admire the stunning Baroque high altar and the intricate pulpit, showcasing a different kind of historic craftsmanship.

5

Nationalestraat

Nationalestraat is the main artery of the Fashion District. This street connects the historic city center with the trendy Zuid district and serves as a runway for the city's most stylish residents. As you walk along this stretch, you are following the path where the Antwerp fashion revolution took hold. In the late 20th century, this area was revitalized, moving away from its industrial past to become a high-end shopping destination. Look up to see the blend of 19th-century architecture and modern renovations. The street is lined with flagship stores of Belgian designers as well as international labels that want to be associated with Antwerp’s 'cool' factor.

6

Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Your walk concludes at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, one of the oldest art academies in Europe, founded in 1663. It was here, under the tutelage of Linda Loppa in the 1980s, that the Antwerp Six—including Walter Van Beirendonck and Marina Yee—honed their craft before taking London by storm. The academy remains one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world, with a notoriously rigorous program that accepts only the most talented students. The campus is a quiet oasis of creativity; while the studios are private, the energy of the next generation of designers is palpable in the surrounding cafes and courtyards. This is where the future of fashion is being drafted right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Fashion District route is the best self-guided walk for style enthusiasts, as it covers the MoMu, the Royal Academy, and the flagship stores of the Antwerp Six. It allows you to see the evolution of Belgian design from the 1980s to today.