On October 25th 2007, Antwerp’s most prestigious project opened its doors. Almost 7 years after the destructive fire, Shopping Stadsfeestzaal (City Festival Hall) was completely restored in its glorious style and started a new life.
The historical dome was layered with gold and several kinds of marble were used to restore the historical stairs. No efforts were spared to let the ‘Pride of Antwerp’ shine again.
The base line ‘Expect the Unexpected’ says it all! Up to 40 shops, among which several pilot stores of international brands in a unique historical setting with modern accents definitely grabbed visitors’ attention and hearts.
Anchors are the first Saturn in Belgium and Urban Outfitters (first shop on the European main land). Other Pilot Stores for Belgium are Tommy Hilfiger Tailored, Salsa Jeans, Nike en Sabon. COS (Collection of Style), Leon Mode and Edisac opened their first Antwerp store in Shopping Stadsfeestzaal.
When you need a break you can rest your feet in one of the two architectical masterpieces that are located in the historical ballroom. Sip your drink in an ultra-modern bar with a unique design, La Salle or on the ‘floating terrace’ of the Laurent Perrier Champagnebar.
Many reasons not to hesitate to come and discover the Shopping Stadsfeestzaal, a dazzling venue that accommodates exquisite shopping and two sparkling bars!
Each season, all year round, Antwerp is alive with music!
On street corners, in music clubs, in open air during the summer months, in small or large concert venues … music is everywhere! Antwerp boasts clubs like the Crossroads Café or the Kid’s Rythm & Blues Bar where you can enjoy weekly jam sessions by leading Antwerp musicians or free live performances by smaller bands. ‘De Roma’ is another great and inexpensive option for seeing some of the world’s finest musicians in all kinds of musical genres like jazz, classical music or even Flamenco. The Arenberg Theatre or their summer residence the ‘Openluchttheater’ have an impressive programme of well known artists all year round whereas rock and pop temple Trix offers national or international beginning bands a shot at fame! And of course Antwerp has it’s very own temple for the big international rockstars : the Sportpaleis and the smaller Lotto Arena. And if we say stars, we mean stars! Some of the concerts programmed for the upcoming spring months are none other than Grace Jones, Rihanna, Mika, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Eric Clapton, Whithey Houston and Michael Bublé.
The people of Antwerp have always had a reputation for being gourmets. Because of its unique location, in the 16th century – the “Golden Age” – Antwerp was a port where all types of foodstuffs, drinks, herbs and spices from distant lands arrived. Even today a wide range of exotic foods is still on sale in Antwerp. The majority of Antwerp restaurants tend to go in the direction of the French cuisine, with the addition of a few fine Belgian touches or the use of typical Belgian ingredients. However, in this cosmopolitan city you’ll find a whole range of European, ethnic and biological cuisine as well as restaurant experimenting with the latest food fads. The greatest concentration of places to eat is in the areas around the historic city centre, the central station and the South quarter of Antwerp.
Antwerp is surely the undisputed center of Belgian fashion, and is just behind Paris, London & Milan. ModeNatie could arguably be considered its headquarters. The building houses a bookshop, a brasserie, the Antwerp Fashion Academy (whose graduates include Dries van Noten & Mareunrols), and MoMu, the city’s fashion museum. In its first year alone, MoMu attracted 10,000 visitors. Leopold Hotel Antwerp is delighted to bring you news of MoMu’s latest exhibition of the the oldest fine leather luxury goods design house in Belgium, Delvaux. The Belgian luxury goods house Delvaux exists for 180 years already and has met the needs of a clientele living through times of dramatic change and movement.
This exhibition follows Delvaux from the manufacture of travel goods for the local nobility in the 19th century, through the rise of the modern handbag in the 20th century.
The exhibition “Delvaux, 180 years of Belgian luxury” runs untill Sunday February 22nd 2010 in the Antwerp Fashion Museum. Book one of our stylish Leopold Antwerp hotel rooms when you visit this unmissable exhibition.
Leopold hotel Antwerp is proud to announce that Antwerp is elected to the European Youth Capital 2011. Antwerp is taking this opportunity to highlight “Room To Bloom”, a project where youngsters can find the time and space to develop themselves. The city wants to put itself on the map as a creative, innovative, dynamic and young center where people of young age get the opportunity to develop themselves.
Antwerp has always been known as the place to be for young creative people. Great example are the young designers, like Walter Van Beirendonck, who put Antwerp in the fashion spotlight. Musically, there’s a lot of talent out there as well. Not to mention all the other artists, music festivals, and clubs. Antwerp is booming, and this is attracting all sorts of creative, artistic people from all over Belgium and Europe.
When you’re looking for a new look on today’s world, today’s art, or today’s fashion, Antwerp is definitely the place to be. Contemporary is the most important word here, is heard all over town. Everyone is convinced to fully exploit this election to proof to all the other European youth, we here at Antwerp are proud of what we have established so far, and we can only say the future is looking bright. This vivid city is surely worthwhile a visit.
Right behind the corner of the Leopold Antwerp hotel, outside the city walls in the mid-19th century, is the Antwerp Zoo, next to the central station.
The zoo houses more than 6000 animals of 750 species. Just recently we all welcomed baby elephant; Kai Mook.These were very exciting times for all of Antwerp!
The Antwerp Zoo have new modern attractions to go with its old-fashioned charm. Freezeland, a habitat for sea otters and penguins, has joined the Nocturama (for the creatures of the night), a planetarium, a winter garden and an aquarium. It’s sure worthwhile a visit!
The passage of time and the extensive landscaping of the grounds have turned Antwerp Zoo into a green oasis in the very centre of the modern city. The scientific side of zoo operation has not been neglected and the Royal Zoological Society has, like many other zoo administrations, embarked on breeding programmes to sustain populations of endangered species.
Book your Antwerp luxury room now or travel in style with one of our room suites. When reserving your weekend break at Leopold Antwerp hotel, or perhaps a suite room at its sister hotel Astoria Antwerp , you will be able to book your tickets immediately for the Antwerp Zoo. They are also available on request at reception.
The “Night of the Proms” the number one musical event in Antwerp is returning on the 23rd October. This year weill see performances from musical luminaries including Roxette, OMD, Sharon den Adel, Peter & Zoltan Katona, Toots Thielemans, John Miles, Fine Fleur and Il Novecento. For more information and tickets please go to; http://antwerpen.digicity.be/Evenementen/Night_of_the_Proms-175898104id.html or http://www.notp.com/
“Night of the Proms” has a very simple yet successful concept; “Classic meets Pop”. The pop artists are complimented by the in-house orchestral arrangements brought to you by the philharmonic orchestra. Looking at the various genres in years’ line-up, Rock (Roxette), Jazz (Toots Thielemans) & Blues (John Miles) stand out in this exciting cocktail of music. This event is held every year in Sportpaleis Antwerp. Tickets are still available.
“Night of the Proms” is perceived very highly in Belgium and through Europe, as one of the musical events of the year. There are a number of editions per year, due to the continually increasing demand for tickets. This event further enhances Antwerp’s vivid cultural & musical reputation. To book your stay in Antwerp look for Antwerp hotel deals at Leopold Hotel Antwerp.
The Leopold Antwerp Hotel is a brand new 4-star boutique hotel located in the very heart of Antwerp’s diamond district. The Leopold Hotel Antwerp boasts 127 fully renovated guest rooms. Each room comprises of high quality Hypnos beds, either king or twin mattresses with a minimum size of 180 cm. The spacious rooms are decorated in hip, yet warm color schemes. Please visit its website to see the hotel virtual tours.
Whether you are in town on a business trip, a weekend break, seminar, or just any other occasion, the Leopold is all you may expect from a city centre boutique hotel, it’s smart and sophisticated yet fun and just that little bit quirky.
In this blog, we will keep you up-to-date on the latest news of this hotel, city events, and the everyday trivia of the most wonderful city in the world; Antwerp; http://www.antwerpen.be
Whether there’s a new exposition, a fashion show, diamond exhibitions, or live concerts in town, you will find it in this blog. We hope you enjoy your time reading here, and look forward welcoming you again!