Antwerp Courthouse Palace of Justice
A modern architectural marvel symbolizing transparency in justice, featuring a grand glass-filled Hall of Lost Footsteps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere.
Antwerp Courthouse Palace of Justice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern architectural marvel symbolizing transparency in justice, featuring a grand glass-filled Hall of Lost Footsteps.
"Striking modern architecture with a symbolic emphasis on transparency."
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Security checks and navigating the large building can take longer than expected. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Ask for Directions
Signage can be confusing; don't hesitate to ask reception for help finding your way. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Salle des Pas Perdus
Main Hall
The impressive 'Hall of Lost Footsteps' showcases the building's commitment to transparency with its extensive use of glass.
Grand Courtrooms
Various Courtrooms
Explore the largest and grandest of the 21 courtrooms, a testament to the building's imposing and modern design.
Modern Glass Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the innovative use of glass throughout the structure, a key feature emphasizing the transparency of justice.
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Architecture
Navigating the Building
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Security checks and navigating the large building can take longer than expected. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Ask for Directions
Signage can be confusing; don't hesitate to ask reception for help finding your way. :world_map:
☔ Be Prepared for Leaks
The glass roof can leak in heavy rain, so be mindful of potential drips. :umbrella:
🧊 Slippery Steps
Monumental steps can become slippery in cold, wet, or frosty weather. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Security checks and navigating the large building can take longer than expected. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Ask for Directions
Signage can be confusing; don't hesitate to ask reception for help finding your way. :world_map:
☔ Be Prepared for Leaks
The glass roof can leak in heavy rain, so be mindful of potential drips. :umbrella:
🧊 Slippery Steps
Monumental steps can become slippery in cold, wet, or frosty weather. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often impressed by the courthouse's modern, transparent architectural design, particularly the grand Hall of Lost Footsteps. However, the visitor experience can be marred by strict security, confusing internal signage, and practical issues like slippery steps and potential roof leaks. Some also note a disconnect between the building's symbolic transparency and the treatment of individuals within.
"Such a waste of time!
Bring one paper, then in a week or more another one that they didn't tell you earlier.
Then a few weeks later, they assigned a lawyer.
Who set up an appointment more than a week later, too.
And refused to take a case in the end.
And advised to look for another lawyer for which you have to resubmit all the documents again and wait a lot."
wast wa
"I had a positive experience at the court building. The staff exhibited professionalism and courtesy throughout. The atmosphere was calm, and the process was efficient. Appreciate the dedication of the staff to maintaining a respectful environment."
Jason Goossens
"Hi-Tech architecture in Antwerp"
David Barragán
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Antwerp Courthouse is accessible by public transport. Tram and bus lines stop nearby. If coming from Amsterdam or Brussels, it's a convenient day trip by train, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Amsterdam.
Limited parking may be available in the vicinity, but public transport is generally recommended due to potential congestion in the city center.
Yes, the building's architecture is a significant attraction. However, access to specific courtrooms or offices may be restricted depending on ongoing legal proceedings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry to admire the architecture and the Hall of Lost Footsteps is usually free. However, if you have official business, specific procedures and documentation will be required.
Opening hours for public access to architectural viewing may vary. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date visitor hours. Security personnel are present at all times.
Typically, there is no admission fee for admiring the building's architecture. However, specific areas or exhibitions might have charges.
Expect thorough security, including full body scans and briefcase X-rays, similar to airport security. This is a standard procedure for all visitors.
🎫 ⚖️ Onsite Experience
The Salle des Pas Perdus (Hall of Lost Footsteps) is widely considered the most impressive part, with its vast glass expanses and modern design. The grand courtrooms are also notable.
The building is modern and generally designed with accessibility in mind, but specific challenges like slippery steps in certain weather might exist. Inquire about specific needs beforehand.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public areas, but restrictions may apply in active courtrooms or sensitive areas. Always be respectful of ongoing proceedings.
The courthouse features a striking modern architectural style, characterized by its extensive use of glass, symbolizing transparency. It was designed to replace older buildings.
Some reviews mention that the monumental steps can become slippery in cold weather, and the glass roof has been known to leak during heavy rain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be limited facilities for staff or those with official business, dedicated public dining options within the courthouse itself are unlikely. Antwerp city center offers numerous choices.
The area surrounding the courthouse in Antwerp has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries catering to various tastes and budgets. Explore the city center for diverse culinary experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hall of Lost Footsteps offers dramatic perspectives with its glass and light. The exterior also provides excellent opportunities to capture the modern facade.
While general photography is often allowed in public areas, it's wise to be discreet and avoid photographing individuals without permission, especially in areas related to legal proceedings.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful light filtering through the glass structures, creating interesting visual effects. Morning light can also be appealing for exterior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the building is a working courthouse, so maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor is essential. There are no specific child-friendly amenities, and the emphasis is on the serious nature of the proceedings. If your family is on a tight schedule, prioritize other Antwerp attractions that are more geared towards younger visitors.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the interplay of light and space created by the glass elements, and consider the practical challenges faced by the architects, such as the potential for slippery steps and leaking roofs. Understanding these aspects adds another layer to appreciating the building's design and its real-world implications.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Key features include the monumental Salle des Pas Perdus (Hall of Lost Footsteps), a vast central hall that serves as a gathering point and showcases the building's scale and material choices. The design, however, is not without its practical challenges. The extensive glass surfaces, while aesthetically pleasing, can lead to issues like leaking roofs during heavy rainfall and slippery steps in cold or wet conditions, requiring ongoing maintenance and visitor caution.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the courthouse remains a significant landmark in Antwerp's urban landscape, celebrated for its bold architectural vision. It stands as a testament to contemporary design principles applied to public institutions, offering a unique visual experience for visitors interested in architecture and urban development.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
Navigating the expansive interior can also be a challenge. The signage within the building is noted as not always being clear, meaning visitors might need to ask for directions at the reception desk to find their intended areas. This is a common aspect of large, complex public buildings worldwide.
Practical advice from visitors suggests allowing ample time for both security checks and navigation. While the building is impressive, some reviews highlight that the experience inside can be starkly different from the exterior's beauty, with one reviewer noting that prisoners are treated poorly, contrasting with the building's symbolic transparency.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit