Panoramic photo of the Scheldt bend in Antwerp © Sigrid Spinnox

Antwerp 2027.

THE DSTNCMP²⁷ IN THE HEART OF EUROPE.

ANTWERP – A METROPOLIS ON THE SCHLEDE RIVER

Antwerp is a city that blends history and the present with remarkable ease. Magnificent guild halls, Gothic architecture, and great art meet avant-garde fashion, creative cuisine, and an urban lifestyle that feels cosmopolitan, style-conscious, and surprisingly relaxed.

Anyone walking through Antwerp will quickly sense what makes this city so special: its proximity to the water, its international appeal, and its eye for beauty in the details. The Flemish metropolis is defined by its port, its rich cultural heritage, and a creative energy that is reflected in the city’s streets, museums, boutiques, and cafés.

》The DSTNCMP²⁷will take place in Antwerp fromJune 15–17, 2027.《

In the heart of Europe, we want to learn from the best together—to gain more shared perspectives and new ideas that we can adapt within our own spheres of influence.

We’re intentionally structuring the program to be a bit more compact, with a 4-day week in mind: arrival on Tuesday, followed by a taste of what’s to come and some initial inspiration in the evening; Wednesday features the opening with a keynote address and the first sessions; on Thursday, we’ll continue with more sessions and explore various experiential spaces.

HISTORY & MODERNITY

Antwerp is one of Europe’s most important historic trading cities and experienced a great golden age, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its location on the Scheldt River made the city a central hub for trade, exchange, and international connections —a character that continues to define Antwerp to this day.

Today, Antwerp is above all a place of inspiration—with a palpable sense of self-confidence and visible, bold decisions aimed at sustainable urban development.

Around the Eilandje harbor district, Antwerp offers a particularly striking example of how industrial history has given rise to a vibrant neighborhood with a new vitality. Where shipyards and warehouses once dominated the landscape, museums, cafés, restaurants, and creative hotspots now cluster closely together. The MAS is considered a landmark in terms of both architecture and content—as is the spectacular Havenhuis, which uniquely connects the port’s past and future.

FASHION, DESIGN & DIAMONDS

Antwerp, more than almost any other city in Europe, epitomizes style, design, and creative independence. The city is regarded as an international fashion destination and has made a name for itself far beyond Belgium’s borders thanks to its avant-garde scene, renowned designers, and strong creative identity.

At the same time, Antwerp has been one of the most important centers of the global diamond trade for centuries. The famous Diamond District is located around the main train station, and together with the city’s long tradition of the gemstone trade, it further underscores Antwerp’s international character.

JOY OF LIFE AND PLEASURE

Antwerp also showcases its versatility, urban flair, and focus on culinary enjoyment. The city combines Flemish classics with international cuisine, trendy dining concepts, and a restaurant scene that offers a wide range of options, from laid-back cafés to upscale establishments.

It is precisely this blend of regional roots and cosmopolitan flair that makes Antwerp so appealing. Here, places emerge that inspire, encourage a slower pace, and foster connections—stylish, authentic, and always with an open outlook on the world.

CULTURE & ATMOSPHERE

Antwerp impresses not only with its individual sights, but also with an overall atmosphere that lingers in the memory. Historic squares, monumental churches, elegant shopping streets, creative neighborhoods, and its proximity to the harbor create a cityscape that is both stately and vibrant.

The Central Station alone is one of the city’s architectural icons, while the alleys of the Old Town, the waterfront areas, and the modern neighborhoods constantly offer new perspectives on Antwerp. The city is thus not only a destination for culture lovers, but also for anyone seeking urban charm with character .

Overall, Antwerp brings together many contrasts: historic and modern, creative and down-to-earth, with an international flair thanks to its port and diamond trade, yet relaxed in everyday life—and it is precisely this mix that gives the city its special charm.