Loodswezen, Protected maritime building in Eilandje district, Antwerp, Belgium.
Description
Loodswezen is a protected maritime building in Antwerp's Eilandje district featuring eclectic architecture that blends various historical design styles into a nearly square structure. The symmetrical building at Tavernierkaai 3 has a waterfront location that connects the historic city center with the old harbor zones.
History
The building was constructed between 1892 and 1895 by architects Hendrik Kennes and Ferdinand Truyman to serve as headquarters for local pilot services guiding ships. It remained in operational use for over 120 years until maritime navigation services were relocated in 2016.
Culture
The building stands as a reminder of Antwerp's working harbor heritage, located where ships and dock workers moved through daily. Its symmetrical form and waterfront position reflect how the city valued its connection to maritime trade and river commerce.
Practical
The ground floor houses exhibition spaces that opened to visitors after the City of Antwerp purchased the building in 2017. The location sits directly on the Scheldt River waterfront, making it easy to reach from the Eilandje district where other maritime attractions cluster nearby.
Did you know?
The building sits in its original position near the Scheldt River, just upstream from the Bonapartesluis lock where pilots once monitored and guided arriving and departing vessels. This precise location was critical for the pilot services to function, giving them a vantage point over the main water traffic routes.
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