Panoramic view of Scheldebocht Antwerp © Sigrid Spinnox

Antwerp 2027.

THE DSTNCMP²⁷ IN THE HEART OF EUROPE.

ANTWERP – A METROPOLIS ON THE SCHELDE

Antwerp is a city that effortlessly blends history and present. Magnificent guild houses, Gothic architecture, and great art meet avant-garde fashion, creative gastronomy, and an urban lifestyle that feels cosmopolitan, stylish, and surprisingly relaxed.

Anyone walking through Antwerp quickly senses what makes this city so special: its proximity to water, its international appeal, and its appreciation for beauty in detail. The Flemish metropolis is shaped by its port, its rich cultural heritage, and a creative energy 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 aim to learn from the best together – fostering more shared perspectives and new ideas for adaptation within our own spheres of influence.

We are intentionally designing the program to be more concise, keeping a 4-day week in mind: Arrival on Tuesday, with an evening welcome and initial impulses; Wednesday features the opening with a keynote and first sessions; on Thursday, we start with further sessions and delve into various experiential spaces.

HISTORY & MODERNITY

Antwerp is one of Europe's most significant historical trading cities, experiencing a great flourishing, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its location on the Scheldt made the city a central hub for trade, exchange, and international connections – a characteristic that still defines Antwerp today.

Today, Antwerp is primarily a place of inspiration – with palpable self-confidence and visible, bold decisions for sustainable urban development.

Around the Eilandje port district, Antwerp impressively demonstrates how industrial history has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with new appeal. Where shipyards and warehouses once dominated, museums, cafés, restaurants, and creative hotspots now lie close together. The MAS serves as an architectural and thematic focal point – as does the spectacular Havenhuis, which uniquely connects the past and future of the port.

FASHION, DESIGN & DIAMONDS

Antwerp, like few other cities in Europe, stands for style, design, and creative independence. The city is considered an international fashion destination and has made a name for itself far beyond Belgium with 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. Around the central station lies the famous Diamond Quarter, which, together with the long tradition of gemstone trading, further emphasizes the city's international character.

JOY OF LIFE AND INDULGENCE

Culinary-wise, Antwerp also presents itself as versatile, urban, and pleasure-oriented. The city combines Flemish classics with international cuisine, trend-conscious food concepts, and a gastronomic scene that offers a wide spectrum, from relaxed 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, slow down, and facilitate encounters – stylishly, authentically, and always with an open perspective.

CULTURE & ATMOSPHERE

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

Even the central station is considered one of the city's architectural icons, while new perspectives on Antwerp constantly emerge in the alleys of the old town, along the riverbanks, and in the modern quarters. The city is therefore not only a destination for culture enthusiasts but also for all who seek urban flair with character.

Overall, Antwerp unites many contrasts: historic and modern, creative and down-to-earth, internationally shaped by its port and diamond trade, yet relaxed in everyday life – and it is precisely this blend that constitutes the city's special charm.