New Museum Opens in Antwerp to Celebrate Diamonds

The new diamond museum is named Diva and it is located in a renovated historic building, showcasing the city’s relationship with diamonds that has flourished for six centuries.

Those in love with the Flemish mastery of silver-smithing and jewellery design can now walk through a themed exhibition and discover Antwerp’s story in a unique way.

The museum features six themed rooms, and Jerome (the museum’s butler) introduces all visitors to each theme, making sure that they don’t miss out on the beauty of the location. Moreover, the museum will also present a programme of special exhibitions and research, and also host a library, an atelier, two museum shops and 2 multi-use spaces.

Tourist can closely examine around 600 objects, one of which is a pair of diamond-encrusted boots, as well as a tennis racket and a an owl cup. The designer of the museum, Gert Voorjans, has tremendously put her stamp on a contemporary Wonder Room, which is packed with luxurious curiosities. At the same time, set designer, Carla Jansen Hofelt created the other 5 rooms.

Thanks to multimedia, interactive displays and soundscapes, each room carries its own personality and story, but also teach visitors about the history of diamonds, as well as jewellery-making.

Perhaps one of the most interesting rooms, The Atelier, examined and presents the art of craftsmanship involved diamond processing and silver-smithing. The Dining Room shows the etiquette rules among Antwerp’s noble families, while the Strong Room deals with the question of both ethics and authenticity in the diamond and silver sectors. Meanwhile, the Boudoir is home to precious treasures in its intimate space, offering a unique experience.

If curious to learn about the art of making a diamond and wish to experience it in the best possible way, know that the museum is open every day except for Wednesday. Check out the Diva museum here.

Source: lonelyplanet.com