To truly appreciate the significance of the site before you, you must step inside. Don’t worry, it’s free! At first glance, the Stadsfeestzaal might seem like just another massive shopping mall. And that’s true, except when you consider the rich history behind the building. When it opened in 1908, it was a grand festival and exhibition hall where Antwerp’s residents attended fairs, balls, school events, and all kinds of celebrations. Beyond its vast space for these events, the venue offered a stunningly beautiful setting that left many speechless. Sadly, time took its toll, and the building eventually fell into disrepair. Recognizing its potential, the city council decided in 2000 to give it a new purpose, shifting its focus from events to commerce. The restoration was a long and challenging process, made even harder by a devastating fire that spared only the steel roof structure, the monumental staircases, and the historic façade. After three years of restoration (including a year and a half spent solely on the delicate task of applying gold leaf) the site is finally ready to shine again. One curious anecdote shared by the renovation team claims that whale bones were discovered in the underground passages, a surprising nod to Antwerp’s distant past, when this part of the city was still submerged by the North Sea. In 2007, the new shopping centre opened its doors… and has never closed them since.