Mercatormuseum, Cartography museum in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.
Description
The Mercatormuseum in Sint-Niklaas is a collection of maps, globes, and instruments that show how people represented the Earth over many centuries. The exhibits move from early methods through to the modern techniques used in mapping today.
History
Gerardus Mercator was born in Sint-Niklaas in 1512 and invented a new way to show the curved Earth on flat maps. This invention revolutionized ocean navigation and influenced all cartographers who came after him.
Culture
The museum bears the name of Gerardus Mercator, a cartographer who lived and worked in the town, shaping how people understood the world through maps. Walking through the rooms, you sense how his innovations influenced geographical thinking for centuries.
Practical
The museum has interactive screens and animations explaining how cartography developed and how it works. Visitors can explore firsthand how old and new mapping methods produced different results.
Did you know?
The museum holds two rare globes from the 16th century that represent masterpieces of Flemish cartography. These objects show how carefully craftspeople then depicted the world in fine detail on spherical surfaces.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sint-Niklaas).
Grote Markt
487 m
City hall of Sint-Niklaas
503 m
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
555 m
Sint-Nicolaaskerk
396 m
Ciperage
450 m
Walburg Castle
533 m
Romain De Vidtspark
649 m
Landhuis
476 m
Christus Koningkerk
1.1 km
Salons voor Schone Kunsten
183 m
Don Boscokerk
1.2 km
Huis Janssens
44 m
Prochiehuis
434 m
De Walvis, Sint-Niklaas
240 m
Huis Myle
559 m
Volkshuis
168 m
De Witte Molen, Sint-Niklaas
1 km
SteM Zwijgershoek
125 m
The Word
532 m
Moelandkasteel
727 m
De Gouden Arend
569 m
Mercatorpark
51 m
Ecce-Homokapel
691 m
Saint Nicholas
529 m
The Runners
536 m
Castrohof
754 m
Anton van Wilderode
380 m
Horseman
550 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes