MAS Exhibition 2017

The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) located along the 350 km long Scheldt river is in the bustling district of Eilandje. The 10-storey modern, orange building boasts a 5,700 m² exhibition space since its establishment in 2011. Moreover, every exposition floor incorporates a different theme. You will surely find something interesting to spend your entire day.

At the top of the museum is the Boulevard where one can see a panoramic view of Antwerp from a 60 m height. Those with acrophobia can learn to conquer the fear of height from viewing though the 6-metres high glass panel. On the other hand, a breathtaking scenery awaits for the fearless.

There are a few other fascinating discoveries that make a trip to the museum worthwhile in Antwerp besides the exhibition. After the visit, grab some drinks or dine in the restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the museum. Without further ado, here is an exhibition list that you can visit in MAS museum in 2017.

The Corner Shop

• Date: 19 April 2016 onwards
• Time: 10:00 to 22:00 (until midnight from 1 April)
• Location: Top Floor | Boulevard
• Price: Free

The Corner Shop is a series of retail trade photography display by Sanne De Wilde. The pictures portray the shops and the shopkeepers in Antwerp. In addition, the images capture the various facial expression of the people running the local business. On top of the contemporary shots, old photographs from the 50s would bring you to a journey of nostalgic transition from the past to the present.

Chocolate Secrets

• Date: 3 March to 3 September 2017
• Time: 10:00 to 17:00
• Location: 2nd Floor | Kijkdepot
• Price: Free

➀ Natural Antidote Against Depression

Dark chocolates increase the serotonin chemical level in the brain which in turn relax it. The stimulation of serotonin acts as a natural agent to fight against depression. Munch on some chocolates the next time when you feel moody to induce positive energy.

➁ Antioxidant Properties

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which are found mostly in vegetables, fruits and some drinks such as red wine. Flavonoids are antioxidants which protect the cells from cellular damage and accelerate cell repair. Choose chocolates with more than 60% cocoa for maximum antioxidant effect. White chocolate contains no cocoa solids. Therefore, it is not a good source of antioxidants. Avoid drinking milk with dark chocolate as milk binds to antioxidants in chocolate making them unavailable.

➂ Protect the skin against UV

Consuming the flavonols in the dark chocolate also helps the skin to protect against UV. A study was performed on two groups of women over 12-weeks consuming different levels of the flavonols. The group which consumed a higher flavonoid showed decreased sensitivity to UV light and increased blood flow. Furthermore, their skin was more hydrated and a reduction in scaling and roughness.

» Exhibition Outline

Undoubtedly, the benefits do not stop at three. There are numerous usages of chocolates rather than sheer pleasure. Hence, you can find the answers in the Chocolate Secrets exhibition in MAS.

• Other than consumption, what are the other functions of chocolates?
• When was the first chocolate factory in Belgium?
• How does a cocoa plantation look like?
• How do chocolates evolve from the past to the present?

The secrets of the chocolates will be divulged in the exhibition. Additionally, there are shocking facts about the aphrodisiac, display of the tins collection and posters of Antwerp chocolatiers. Another noteworthy cause to visit the expo is the ceremonial goblets for the cocoa drink of the Mayans.

City Photographer

• Date: 25 April 2017 onwards
• Time: 10:00 to 22:00 (until midnight from 1 April)
• Location: Top Floor | Boulevard
• Price: Free

The inspiring photography portfolio of fifteen photographers chosen for the project ‘Stadsfotograaf Antwerpen‘ illustrates their unique perspective of Antwerp city. The assortment of photos will form a footprint of the historic trail of Antwerp 20 years later.

Encounters

• Date: 19 May to 20 August 2017
• Time: 10:00 to 17:00

An exhibition of abstract art left to the imagination of the observers. It comprises of two sections:-

1. Appreciation of Visual Art

100 artworks are chosen all around the world from ancient time to the present. There would be no text or explanation of the art pieces except for the name of the artist and object. The visual interpretation of the art is left solely to your creative imagination. The artists include Francisco Goya, Rona Pondick, Dosso Dossi and Adriano Cecioni.

2. Contemporary Dance

There will be dance performances by international dancers to enhance the experience of the theme in the exhibition hall. Once again, the dances invoke your sensory perception on the meaning of art that arises from many forms of expression.

Brillant Desire

• Date: 18 October to 14 January 2018
• Time: 10:00 to 17:00
• Price: €1 to €10

How do you feel about diamond other than the fact that it is made out of carbon under high pressure and temperature? The pursuit of diamond derives from the desire of power, wealth, love and social status. The exhibition unfolds the answers to how people deal with their desires. The exhibition also inaugurates the Diamond Year in Antwerp.

If you are planning to visit the MAS exhibition, here are some practical information about the opening hours, transportation, tickets and accessibility. The museum is closed on every Monday. It is free for everyone on the last Wednesday of the month.

Add the event to your online calendar by selecting “Add to Calendar” on the top right-hand corner of the page if you are interested in going to the MAS exhibition. Subsequently, your calendar will reflect the events. Lastly, remember to share the event with your friend or on social media so that they can visit the MAS exhibition too!