Harbour House
Havenhuis

Diamond’s aren’t just a girl’s best friend. They’re Antwerp’s too. The headquarters of the port authority is a diamond of architecture

Harbour House (Havenhuis) is the headquarters of the Antwerp Port Authority. But it’s mostly known for being an interesting old-meets-new architectural gem. The diamond-like structure is on top of a 1920s fire station. If you happen to be in the area or love architecture, Havenhuis is definitely worth a look. It was designed by the famous British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid known as the “Queen of the Curve” and known to have liberated architectural geometry, given it a whole new spin.

• Harbour House is a modern geometric building standing on top of the old fire station; it shows Antwerp’s past and its modern self in one place. It’s a 100m looking and looks like the hull of a ship and a diamond in one, reflecting Antwerp’s history as a port city that traded in diamonds.
• From Harbour House you can get a panoramic view of the harbour, so it’s a popular photo spot. Just keep in mind that it looks best in the sunshine,
• If you go on a tour and inside you can see the harbour from the atrium. It’s a good view, but the view from the outside is really why you should go here.
• Looking at the Havenhuis from a distance will get you good photos, but get up close and look under the extension to see more of the architectural work like how exactly the Havenhuis meets the fire station.
• It won’t take you long to see this landmark, unless you’re on the guided tour. But there’s plenty to do nearby like the MAS and Red Star Line Museum to learn more about Antwerp’s port history.