When you say Belgium, among other things, like beer and historical buildings, you immediately think of chocolate. Belgian chocolate is indeed world-famous. The story between this small European country and the sweet glory has been around for many generations. Today Antwerp has its own prestigious chocolate museum, the chocolate nation.
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| Picture by G. De Martelaere |
In fourteen themed rooms, the museum takes you on a trip into the history of Belgian chocolate. The journey starts in the cocoa plantations on the equator and follows the cocoa bean to the largest cocoa storage port in the world in Antwerp. A giant fantasy machine shows how Belgian chocolate is made and how the velvety taste is created.
On your journey, you will pass the chocolate traditions, brands, products, and innovations that made the worldwide reputation of making high-quality products. And on the way, you can taste to your heart's desire, that goes without saying ...
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| Picture by G. De Martelaere |
The museum is situated across the Central Station, in the heart of the city, and underneath the Radisson Blu Astrid hotel. Chocolate Nation welcomes you every day from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (the last tour starts at 7.30 p.m.). The ticket prices include an audio guide and various chocolate tastings.
The museum also has its own restaurant, Octave. Octave brings a pure, intuitive kitchen that combines classic flavors with contemporary influences. Executive Chef Thomas Van de Weyer provides culinary gems that stir all the senses. Octave is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. Closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information and tickets click here.
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| Picture by G. De Martelaere |