Havenhuis, Port authority headquarters in Eilandje, Belgium
The Havenhuis is the port authority headquarters in Antwerp's Eilandje district, merging a historic fire station with a contemporary glass structure. The 105-meter-long building is shaped like a ship's hull and crowns the original structure beneath it.
The original fire station was built in 1922 by architect Emiel Van Averbeke and served the city for many decades. In 2016, the building was transformed and now houses the port authority within its new glass crown.
The building reflects Antwerp's deep connection to the sea and its role as one of Europe's busiest ports. The gleaming facade speaks to how the city's identity has always been tied to maritime trade and shipping.
The ground floor is open to visitors on weekdays, with guided tours available through Experience Antwerp. A panoramic elevator takes you high into the structure, offering views of the port and city skyline.
Renowned architect Zaha Hadid designed the striking glass structure with her signature flowing forms. The building demonstrates her distinctive approach to organic shapes that echo the movement of water and vessels.
Location: Antwerp
Inception: 1922
Architects: Zaha Hadid, Emiel Van Averbeke
Architectural style: neo-futurism
Length: 105 m
Address: Zaha Hadidplein 1
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00
Phone: +3232052011
Website: http://portofantwerp.com/en/port-house
GPS coordinates: 51.24106,4.40734
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Zaha Hadid designed buildings with curved forms and futuristic aesthetics that stand apart from conventional structures. Her work appears worldwide, from Baku to Miami, and includes cultural centers, transport hubs, and corporate headquarters. The buildings use concrete, glass, and metal to establish new directions in modern architecture. They demonstrate how structures can feature flowing lines and dynamic shapes that reshape landscapes and city skylines. Across Europe, Hadid's designs serve different purposes: The Aquatics Centre in London was built for the Olympic Games, while MAXXI in Rome houses contemporary art. In Germany, the Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein and the Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg show her innovative approach to design. Train stations like the Hungerburgbahn stations in Innsbruck and Naples-Afragola station reveal how she transformed everyday places into remarkable spaces. Significant works also appear in Asia and the Middle East: the Guangzhou Opera House in China, the Jockey Club Innovation Tower in Hong Kong, and Al Wakrah Stadium in Qatar demonstrate her skill in designing large buildings that integrate thoughtfully with their surroundings. This collection offers a view into Hadid's understanding of space, movement, and form.
Antwerp is a city where history comes alive through its museums, historic buildings, and cultural institutions. Visitors can explore the MAS Museum to learn about the city's architecture and urban development, or stand in awe of the Cathedral of Our Lady, which towers over the old city center. The Plantin-Moretus Museum reveals the heritage of printing, while Rubens House preserves the studio of one of Europe's most celebrated painters. The city also welcomes visitors to the Antwerp Zoo, the Red Star Line Museum dedicated to emigration stories, and the Central Station, an ornate rail hub. Cultural exploration continues through specialized museums reflecting Antwerp's diverse character. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts displays paintings and sculptures from different periods, while the Fashion Museum showcases contemporary design. The DIVA Diamond Museum documents Antwerp's role as a major diamond hub, and the FOMU Photography Museum celebrates the art of photography. Underground ruins and the medieval fortress Het Steen tell stories from Antwerp's past as a trading port and fortified city. Walking through Antwerp's neighborhoods reveals different sides of the city, from the charming Vlaeykensgang alley to the Zurenborg District with its Art Nouveau houses. The Great Market Square anchors the city's public life, while green spaces like the Botanical Garden and Park Spoor Noord offer places to rest and reflect. Whether drawn to history, art, design, or urban architecture, visitors will find plenty of reasons to spend time in this riverside city.
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