Cultural Timeline of Antwerp

A brief overview of the historical and artistic events that shaped the city of Antwerp

Gallo-Roman Settlement to 15th Century

Year	Event
150-250 CE	A Gallo-Roman settlement existed in the center of Antwerp at Willem Ogierplaats
700 CE	The name Andoverpis appeared in a written source called the Vita Eligii
978 CE	The Treaty of Margut-sur-Chiers recognized the river Scheldt as the border between Neustria and Lotharingia
980 CE	German Emperor Otto II granted Antwerp a margraviate and built a fortification on the wharf
1213	France occupies Flanders
1250	Construction of the second Vleeshuis, city butchery and Guildhouse of the butchers
1406	Antwerp became part of the Duchy of Brabant
1442	Guild of Saint Luke granted privileges. The guild was a professional association of painters, sculptors, engravers, and other artists in Antwerp.
1477	Quaeye Werelt revolt; Joyous Entry of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor into the city; Violieren chamber of rhetoric founded: a literary society that promoted the Flemish language and culture.
1481	Establishment of a printing press by Matt. Van der Goes. Antwerp became one of the leading centers of printing and publishing in Europe.
1491	One of the world’s “first” illustrated advertisements printed in Antwerp. The advertisement was for a book by Werner Rolevinck called Fasciculus temporum.

16th Century

Year	Event	Description
1503	Construction of the third Vleeshuis	The current building that served as the city butchery and guildhouse of the butchers
1515	Joyous Entry of Charles V	Holy Roman Emperor, into the city (Map by Waldseemueller)
1518	Notre Dame Cathedral completed	The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and houses many artworks, including paintings by Rubens
1520	Het Steen fortress rebuilt	Het Steen is the oldest building in Antwerp and was originally part of the city's fortifications
1523	Church of St. Andrew built	The church is a fine example of Brabant Gothic style and contains many artworks and relics
1528	Merten de Keyser started his business	He printed many important works, including the first complete Bible in Dutch
1531	The Bourse of Antwerp opened	The first purpose-built exchange, was a place where merchants and bankers could trade and exchange currencies, commodities, and bills of exchange. It was a precursor of modern stock exchanges
1552	The Girls' orphanage built	The orphanage was founded by the Sisters of Charity and provided shelter and education for orphaned girls
1555	Christophe Plantin established his business	He printed many influential works, including the Polyglot Bible, a multilingual edition of the Bible. His printing house, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
1555	Holy Roman Emperor Charles V abdicated	He divided his territories between his son Philip II of Spain and his brother Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. Philip II inherited the Spanish Netherlands, which included the Low Countries (present-day Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg).
1560s	Antwerp Citadel built	The citadel was a fortress that controlled the access to the city and the river. It was used by various rulers to suppress rebellions and sieges
1565	City Hall built	The city hall is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture and a symbol of civic pride and autonomy
1566	Protestant Reformation riots	The riots were part of the Iconoclastic Fury, a wave of iconoclasm that swept across the Low Countries. Protestants destroyed many Catholic images and statues in churches and monasteries
1567	Battle of Oosterweel	Occurred near the city on 13 March. The battle was the first major confrontation of the Eighty Years' War, a revolt of the Dutch provinces against the Spanish rule. The rebels were defeated by the Spanish troops
1570	Theatrum Orbis Terrarum atlas published	The atlas was the first modern atlas of the world, compiled by Abraham Ortelius, a cartographer and geographer from Antwerp. (Zeeland en Brabant by Ortelius)
1571	Church of St. Paul built	The church is a former Dominican monastery that contains many artworks, including paintings by Rubens and Van Dyck
1572	Antwerp Citadel completed
1576	Sack of Antwerp	On 4 November, John III van de Werve, Lord of Hovorst, was killed by the Spanish forces. The sack was a brutal attack by the Spanish mutineers on the city, resulting in thousands of deaths and massive destruction
1577	Antwerp Citadel partially dismantled
1579	City joined the Union of Utrecht	The union was a confederation of the northern Dutch provinces that opposed the Spanish rule and formed the basis of the Dutch Republic
1582	Prince William I of Orange injured	The leader of the Dutch revolt was injured in an attack at Antwerp. He survived the assassination attempt by a Catholic fanatic, but was killed two years later in Delft
1585	Siege of Antwerp ended (Michael Pye)	Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, in power. The siege was a prolonged military blockade by the Spanish army that lasted for 14 months. The city surrendered and the Spanish troops occupied the city. The siege marked the end of Antwerp's golden age and the beginning of its decline

17th Century

Year	Event	Description
1603	Rockox House built	Nicolaas II Rockox built the Rockox House, now a museum displaying his art collection
1609	Twelve Years' Truce signed	Temporary cessation of hostilities between the Spanish and the Dutch, allowing economic recovery and cultural development in Antwerp
1615	Church of Augustinians built	Center for religious art and architecture, hosting famous artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens
1621	Carolus Borromeuskerk built	Baroque masterpiece designed by the Jesuits and decorated by Rubens
1635	Joyous Entry of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand	Ferdinand, governor of the Spanish Netherlands, entered the city with great pomp and ceremony. Map of East Flanders by Merkator
1638	Battle of Kallo	Naval engagement between the Dutch and the Spanish fleets, resulting in a Dutch victory
1644	House of the Tailors rebuilt	Guildhall of the tailors, one of the most influential and wealthy guilds in Antwerp
1646	Hall of the Carpenters rebuilt	Guildhall of the carpenters, responsible for the construction and maintenance of the city's buildings and fortifications
1646	Siege of Antwerp failed	Attempt by Frederick Henry, stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, to capture Antwerp from the Spanish, but was repelled by the city's defenders
1648	River Scheldt closed to navigation	Per Treaty of Münster, ending the Eighty Years' War and recognizing the independence of the Dutch Republic, but hampering Antwerp's trade and prosperity
1648	Joyous Entry of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria	Leopold Wilhelm, governor of the Spanish Netherlands, entered the city with great splendor
1656	St. James' Church built	Gothic edifice containing the tomb of Rubens and many other artworks
1663	Royal Academy of Fine Arts founded	One of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Europe, producing renowned artists such as David Teniers the Younger, Jacob Jordaens, and (in the 20th century) James Ensor

18th Century

Year	Event	Description
1713	Cession to Austria	As a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, the Spanish Netherlands, including Antwerp, were ceded to the Austrian Habsburgs. This marked the beginning of the Austrian Netherlands period, which lasted until the French Revolution in 1794.
1745	Royal Residence built on the Meir	The residence was a palace that was used by the Austrian governors of the Southern Netherlands, such as Maria Theresa and Charles VI.
1746	Osterrieth House built on the Meir	The house was a mansion that belonged to the Osterrieth family, a wealthy banking dynasty. The house is a fine example of Rococo architecture and decoration.
1750	Royal Horticultural and Agricultural Society exhibitions began	The society was a scientific and cultural organization that promoted the study and improvement of horticulture and agriculture in Antwerp and Belgium.
1755	Royal Palace built	The palace was a residence that was used by the French governors of the Southern Netherlands, such as Louis XV and Napoleon.
1790	Population: 40,000
1795	City became capital of French département Deux-Nèthes	The city was annexed by France during the French Revolutionary Wars and became part of the French Republic.

19th Century

Year	Event	Description
1802	Quays built on Schelde River	The quays were a series of embankments and docks that improved the navigation and trade on the river.
1805	City Library opened in City Hall	The library was a public institution that offered access to books and information to the citizens of Antwerp.
1810	Royal Museum of Fine Arts founded	The museum is a major art museum that houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 14th to the 20th century, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Ensor.
1811	Bonaparte Dock built	The dock was a large basin that was constructed by Napoleon to accommodate his naval fleet.
1813	Willem Dock built	The dock was a smaller basin that was constructed by Napoleon to accommodate his naval fleet.
1815	City became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands	The city was liberated from the French occupation and became part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, a new state that was created after the Congress of Vienna.
1816	Jewish Community established	The community was formed by the Ashkenazi Jews who settled in Antwerp after the emancipation granted by the Dutch king.
1818	Fortresses built	The fortresses were a series of defensive structures that were built around the city to protect it from foreign invasions.
1823	Dutch King Willem I opened a shipyard at Rotterdam-Antwerp	The shipyard was a naval and commercial facility that was built by the king to boost the economy and trade of Antwerp.
1830	Belgian rebels occupied Antwerp during the Belgian Revolution	The revolution was a nationalist uprising that aimed to secede from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and establish an independent Belgian state.
1831	Jan van Speyk blew up his gunboat in Antwerp to avoid capture by the Belgians	Van Speyk was a Dutch naval officer who became a national hero for his act of self-sacrifice and loyalty to the Dutch king.
1832	November–December: City besieged by French forces	The siege was a military operation that was conducted by the French army to support the Belgian rebels and force the Dutch troops to surrender the city.
1834	Medical Society founded	The society was a professional association of doctors and surgeons that aimed to improve the medical education and practice in Antwerp.
1843	Zoological Garden founded	The garden is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the world, and hosts a variety of animals and plants.
1846	Population: 88,487
1848	Jan Frans Loos became mayor	Loos was a liberal politician and lawyer who became the first elected mayor of Antwerp. He initiated many reforms and improvements in the city, such as the expansion of the port, the construction of the railway, and the establishment of public education.
1852	Wuyts art gallery opened	The gallery was a private museum that displayed the art collection of Florent van Ertborn, a former mayor of Antwerp and a patron of the arts.
1853	Institut Saint-Ignace inaugurated	The institute was a Jesuit school that offered secondary and higher education in Antwerp.
1859	Berchem and Borgerhout became part of city	The two municipalities were annexed by Antwerp to accommodate its growing population and territory.
1860	Kattendijk built	The Kattendijk was a canal that connected the Scheldt river with the Bonaparte and Willem docks.
1864	Museum of Antiquities opened	The museum was a public institution that exhibited a collection of ancient artifacts and coins from various civilizations.
1866	Cholera epidemic	The epidemic was a public health crisis that caused many deaths and suffering in Antwerp.
1867	School of Music founded	The school was a conservatory that provided musical education and training in Antwerp.
1870	Fort Merxem constructed	The fort was a part of the National Redoubt, a defensive system that was built around Antwerp to protect it from a possible German invasion.
1871	International Geographical Congress held	The congress was a scientific meeting that gathered geographers and explorers from different countries to discuss and exchange ideas on geography.
1872	Exchange building and Flemish Theatre built	The exchange building was a neoclassical edifice that housed the stock exchange and the chamber of commerce. The Flemish Theatre was a cultural venue that promoted the Flemish language and drama.
1873	Horsecar trams began operating	The trams were a form of public transportation that used horse-drawn carriages on rails.
1874	Demolition of Antwerp Citadel began	The citadel was demolished to make way for the expansion of the city and the port.
1876	Royal Geographical Society of Antwerp founded	The society was a scientific and cultural organization that promoted the study and exploration of geography and related disciplines.
1877	Plantin-Moretus Museum opened	The museum was a former printing house that belonged to the Plantin and Moretus families, who were famous printers and publishers in Antwerp. The museum preserves the original equipment, books, and artworks of the printing house.
1879	Population: 173,600
1880	Royal Antwerp Football Club formed	The club is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in Belgium.
1881	Antwerp Water Works constructed	The water works was a facility that supplied clean and safe drinking water to the city.
1883	Library building opened	The building was a neoclassical structure that housed the city library and the museum of fine arts.
1884	Museum Mayer van den Bergh built	The museum was a private institution that displayed the art collection of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, a wealthy art collector and connoisseur.
1885	Exposition Universelle d'Anvers (world's fair) held	The fair was a large-scale exhibition that showcased the achievements and innovations of various countries and industries.
1885	Temperance conference held	The conference was a social movement that advocated the moderation or abstention of alcohol consumption.
1891	Gazet van Antwerpen newspaper began publication	The newspaper is one of the oldest and most popular newspapers in Antwerp and Belgium.
1892	Société Anversoise du Commerce au Congo in business	The company was a trading and shipping enterprise that operated in the Congo Free State, a large African territory that was owned by King Leopold II of Belgium.
1893	Koninklijke Vlaamse Opera (Flemish Opera) founded	The opera is a cultural institution that performs operas and musicals in the Flemish language.
1894	Exposition Internationale d'Anvers (world's fair) and Universal Peace Congress held	The fair was another large-scale exhibition that showcased the achievements and innovations of various countries and industries. The congress was a pacifist meeting that discussed and promoted the ideals of peace and arbitration.

20th Century

Year	Event	Description
1902	Electric trams begin operating	Antwerp introduces electric trams as a modern means of public transportation, replacing the old horse-drawn carriages.
1903	World Gymnastics Championships held	Antwerp hosts the 8th edition of the World Gymnastics Championships, the first time the event is held outside of Europe.
1904	Museum Mayer van den Bergh built	The museum displays the collection of art and antiquities of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, a wealthy Antwerp collector who died in 1901.
1905	Antwerpen-Centraal railway station and "America dock" open	The railway station is a monumental building in eclectic style, designed by Louis Delacenserie. The dock is a large basin for transatlantic ships, connected to the Scheldt by a lock.
1906	Fort Breendonk built	The fort is part of the second ring of fortifications around Antwerp, designed to protect the city from a possible German invasion.
1907	Eisenmann Synagogue built	The synagogue is a striking example of Moorish Revival architecture, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. It is named after the Eisenmann family, who donated the land for its construction.
1910	Population: 361,723	Antwerp is the second most populous city in Belgium, after Brussels.
1914	Siege of Antwerp; German occupation begins	During World War I, Antwerp is besieged by the German army for a month, before surrendering on 10 October. The city remains under German occupation until 1918.
1920	1920 Summer Olympics held	Antwerp hosts the 7th edition of the modern Olympic Games, the first after World War I. The games are marked by the absence of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey, as well as the introduction of the Olympic flag and oath.
1923	Airport opens	The Antwerp International Airport is inaugurated, becoming the first airport in Belgium to offer scheduled flights.
1928	Antwerpsche Diamantkring established	The Antwerpsche Diamantkring is the first diamond bourse in the world, founded by a group of diamond traders and brokers. It is located in the heart of the Antwerp diamond district.
1930	Eeuwfeestkliniek (hospital) built	The hospital is built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Belgium's independence. It is designed by Jos Smolderen in Art Deco style.
1931	Antwerp Book Fair begins	The Antwerp Book Fair is the oldest and largest book fair in the Benelux region, attracting hundreds of publishers and thousands of visitors every year.
1932	Boerentoren built	The Boerentoren (Farmers' Tower) is a 26-story skyscraper, the first of its kind in Europe. It is the headquarters of the Kredietbank, a Belgian bank.
1933	Museum of Flemish Literature founded	The museum is dedicated to the history and development of Flemish literature, from the Middle Ages to the present day. It is housed in the former residence of the writer Hendrik Conscience.
1940	German occupation begins	During World War II, Antwerp is occupied by the German forces for a second time, after a brief and fierce battle. The city suffers from bombings, raids, and deportations.
1944	Liberation by the British 11th Armoured Division; Battle of the Scheldt	On 4 September, Antwerp is liberated by the British troops, who enter the city without much resistance. However, the port remains inaccessible until November, due to the German control of the Scheldt estuary. The Battle of the Scheldt is a crucial operation to secure the supply lines for the Allied forces.
1946	Rubens House museum opens	The museum is located in the former house and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, the famous Baroque painter. It displays his paintings, drawings, and personal belongings, as well as works by his contemporaries.
1966	Sporthal Arena built; Wide White Space Gallery opens	The Sporthal Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena, used for sports, concerts, and other events. The Wide White Space Gallery is a pioneering venue for contemporary art, featuring works by Marcel Broodthaers, Joseph Beuys, Daniel Buren, and others.
1967	Antwerp International School established	The Antwerp International School is a private school that offers education in English for students from kindergarten to grade 12. It follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum.
1968	De Tijd newspaper begins publication	De Tijd (The Times) is a Flemish daily newspaper, focusing on business and financial news. It is the successor of the De Financieel-Economische Tijd, founded in 1961.
1969	Jazz Middelheim festival begins; Kennedytunnel opens; Royal Ballet of Flanders established	The Jazz Middelheim is an annual jazz festival, held in the Middelheim Park. It features local and international artists, and attracts thousands of fans. The Kennedytunnel is a road and rail tunnel under the Scheldt, connecting the left and right banks of the river. It is named after the US president John F. Kennedy. The Royal Ballet of Flanders is the official ballet company of Flanders, based in Antwerp. It performs classical and contemporary ballets, and tours nationally and internationally.
1970	Chicagoblok built	The Chicagoblok is a social housing complex, consisting of three high-rise buildings and a lower block. It is designed by Renaat Braem, a prominent Belgian architect and urban planner.
1975	Antwerp Pre-metro begins operating	The Antwerp Pre-metro is a network of underground tram lines, serving the city center and the suburbs. It is called pre-metro because it is intended to be converted into a full metro system in the future.
1977	't Fornuis restaurant in business	't Fornuis (The Stove) is a Michelin-starred restaurant, specializing in traditional Flemish cuisine. It is run by chef Johan Segers, who is known for his use of local and seasonal ingredients.