Red Star Line Museum

Overview

The Red Star Line Museum is housed in the original embarkation and inspection halls where over two million Europeans — including Albert Einstein and Irving Berlin — boarded ships for America between 1873 and 1934.

Highlights

• Emigrant Stories: Interactive exhibits trace individual emigrant journeys from Antwerp to Ellis Island.
• Medical Inspection Hall: The restored room where emigrants were examined before boarding.
• Observation Tower: Panoramic views from the rebuilt lookout tower over the port.

History

The Red Star Line operated transatlantic passenger services from Antwerp 1873–1934. The buildings were left derelict until the city converted them into a museum, opened in 2013. The museum won multiple museum awards.

Visitor Tips

• Closed Mondays.
• Deeply moving — allow time for the personal stories.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.