Over two million passengers sailed from Antwerp on Red Star Line ships between 1873 and 1934, the great majority of these immigrants bound for America. The museum, housed in the very building where those many embarkations took place, is beautifully designed and extremely engaging, telling the story of individual journeys through photographs, recreations and objects, including some gorgeous period model ships. Even those a little beleaguered by contemporary museums' immersive narrative approach can't fail to be moved.
The observation tower has great views and is also a nod to the original chimney of the building, once a welcome landmark that guided passengers arriving at Antwerpen-Centraal station to the docks.
