In the late 1800s, a passionate collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh amassed an amazing art collection. He purchased paintings by Peter Brueghel for a pittance, and managed to beat major museums purchasing stunning medieval sculptures. Mayer van den Bergh had an eye for the best quality in almost every genre. After his death, his mother finally managed to make her son’s dream come true: she built a museum, which showcased his collection. Today, the museum stands largely uncharged: it is still a museum of one man... and his mother. Highly recommended in the Great smaller museums of Europe.

This museum is a combination of two historic homes: the home of the 17th century artist Frans Snyders and his neighbour, mayor Nicolaas Rockox. The permanent exhibition brings together masterpieces from Jan Fyt, Cornelis Massijs, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Sanders van Hemessen, Hans III Jordaens, Jacob Jordaens, Maerten de Vos, David Teniers, Quentin Matsys, Joachim Patinir, Frans Snyders himself, Lucas Faydherbe, Paulus Pontius and Lambert Lombard. In the other rooms, you can admire art cabinets, sculptures, tapestries and ceramics.

At Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands as a striking centrepiece amidst the historic architecture of Antwerp's central square. This celebrated monument is based on the legendary tale of Brabo, a local folk hero who defied the giant Antigoon, probably inspiring the city's name by throwing the giant's hand ("werpen" the "hant" in Middle Dutch) into the Scheldt River.