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Coordinates: 51°13′02″N 4°25′16″E / 51.21722°N 4.42111°E / 51.21722; 4.42111
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{{Short description|Railway station in Antwerp, Belgium}}
{{Short description|Railway station in Antwerp, Belgium}}
{{Redirect|Antwerp Central|the Belgian film|Antwerp Central (film)}}
{{Redirect|Antwerp Central|the Belgian film|Antwerp Central (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox station
{{Infobox station
| name = Antwerpen-Centraal
| name = Antwerpen-Centraal
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| symbol = rail
| symbol = rail
| style = Belgium Railway
| style = Belgium Railway
| image = Antwerpen Centraal station 12-07-2010 14-04-17.JPG
| image = Antwerpen - Station Antwerpen-Centraal (11).jpg
| image_caption = View of the station from the Koningin Astridplein
| image_caption = View of the station from the Koningin Astridplein
| address = Koningin Astridplein, [[Antwerp]]
| address = Koningin Astridplein,<br />2018 [[Antwerp]]
| country = [[Belgium]]
| country = [[Belgium]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|13|02|N|4|25|16|E|region:BE_type:railwaystation_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|13|02|N|4|25|16|E|region:BE_type:railwaystation_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}
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| parking =
| parking =
| bicycle =
| bicycle =
| opened = 11 August 1905
| opened = {{Start date and age|1905|08|11|df=y}}
| closed =
| closed =
| rebuilt =
| rebuilt =
| electrified =
| electrified =
| ADA =
| accessible =
| code = ANTC
| code = ANTC
| iata = ZWE
| owned = [[National Railway Company of Belgium|NMBS/SNCB]]
| owned = [[National Railway Company of Belgium|NMBS/SNCB]]
| operator = [[National Railway Company of Belgium|NMBS/SNCB]]
| operator = [[National Railway Company of Belgium|NMBS/SNCB]]
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| mpassengers =
| mpassengers =
| services =
| services =
| map_type = Belgium#Europe
| map_locator =
| map_locator =
| embedded = {{Infobox mapframe
| stroke-colour = #C60C30
| stroke-width = 3
| marker = rail-underground
| marker-colour = #009D58
| zoom = 15
}}
}}
}}


'''Antwerpen-Centraal railway station''' ({{lang-nl|Station Antwerpen-Centraal}}, {{lang-fr|Gare d'Anvers-Central}}, [[List of IATA-indexed railway stations|IATA code]]: ZWE), officially '''Antwerpen-Centraal''', is the main [[railway station]] in [[Antwerp]], Belgium. The station is operated by the [[National Railway Company of Belgium]] (NMBS/SNCB).
'''Antwerpen-Centraal railway station''' ({{langx|nl|Station Antwerpen-Centraal}}; {{langx|fr|Gare d'Anvers-Central}}){{efn|name=fn1|Officially '''Antwerpen-Centraal''' ({{langx|nl|Antwerpen-Centraal}}; {{langx|fr|Anvers-Central}})}} is the main [[railway station]] in [[Antwerp]], Belgium. It is one of the most important [[Transport hub|hubs]] in the country and is one of the four Belgian stations on the [[high-speed rail]] network. From 1873 to early 2007, it was a [[terminal station]]. The current building, designed by the architect [[Louis Delacenserie]], was constructed between 1895 and 1905. On 23 March 2007, a tunnel with two continuous tracks was opened under part of the city and under the station. The train services are operated by the [[National Railway Company of Belgium]] (NMBS/SNCB).<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANTWERPEN-CENTRAAL |url=http://www.belgianrail.be/en/stations-and-train/search-a-station/6/ANTWERPEN-CENTRAAL.aspx |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=belgianrail.be}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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During [[World War II]], severe damage was inflicted to the train hall by the impact of [[V-2 rocket]]s, though the structural stability of the building remained intact, according to the National Railway Company of Belgium.<ref name="Welcome-To-Antwerp-Centraal" /> Nevertheless, it has been claimed that the warping of the substructure due to a V-2 impact had caused constructional stresses.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" /> The impact remains visible due to a lasting [[wave-distortion]] in the roofing of the hall.<ref name="Welcome-To-Antwerp-Centraal">{{cite web|url=http://www.plantlocationeurope.eu/pdf/brochure-antwerpen-en.pdf|title=Welcome To Antwerp Centraal. The Railway Cathedral of the 20th and 21st century|publisher=SNCB Holding (la Gare / het Station) [[National Railway Company of Belgium]]|editor=Erik Sclep (Communication Manager SNCB Holding)|date=May 2011}}</ref>
During [[World War II]], severe damage was inflicted to the train hall by the impact of [[V-2 rocket]]s, though the structural stability of the building remained intact, according to the National Railway Company of Belgium.<ref name="Welcome-To-Antwerp-Centraal" /> Nevertheless, it has been claimed that the warping of the substructure due to a V-2 impact had caused constructional stresses.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" /> The impact remains visible due to a lasting [[wave-distortion]] in the roofing of the hall.<ref name="Welcome-To-Antwerp-Centraal">{{cite web|url=http://www.plantlocationeurope.eu/pdf/brochure-antwerpen-en.pdf|title=Welcome To Antwerp Centraal. The Railway Cathedral of the 20th and 21st century|publisher=SNCB Holding (la Gare / het Station) [[National Railway Company of Belgium]]|editor=Erik Sclep (Communication Manager SNCB Holding)|date=May 2011}}</ref>


[[File:Visible wave-distortion in the train hall of the Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal), as seen from the roof of an adjacent building in the Pelikaanstraat (near the corner with De Keyserlei) on 13 September 2016.jpg|thumb|right|Visible [[wave-distortion]] in the roof of the train hall. The warping of the structure can be seen at the far top-right end of the roof.]]
[[File:Visible wave-distortion in the train hall of the Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal), as seen from the roof of an adjacent building in the Pelikaanstraat (near the corner with De Keyserlei) on 13 September 2016.jpg|thumb|left|Visible [[wave-distortion]] in the roof of the train hall. The warping of the structure can be seen at the far top-right end of the roof.]]


In the mid-20th century, the building's condition had deteriorated to the point that its demolition was being considered. The station was closed on 31 January 1986 for safety reasons, after which restoration work to the roof (starting at the end of March 1986 and finishing in September 1986) and [[Facade|façades]] was performed. The stress problems due to the impact of bombs during the war were reportedly solved by the use of polycarbonate sheets instead of glass, due to its elasticity and its relatively low weight (40% less than glass), which avoided the need for extra supporting pillars.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" /> After replacing or repairing steel elements, they were painted [[burgundy (color)|burgundy]]. Copper was also used in the renovation process of the roof.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" />
In the mid-20th century, the building's condition had deteriorated to the point that its demolition was being considered. The station was closed on 31 January 1986 for safety reasons, after which restoration work to the roof (starting at the end of March 1986 and finishing in September 1986) and [[Facade|façades]] was performed. The stress problems due to the impact of bombs during the war were reportedly solved by the use of polycarbonate sheets instead of glass, due to its elasticity and its relatively low weight (40% less than glass), which avoided the need for extra supporting pillars.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" /> After replacing or repairing steel elements, they were painted [[burgundy (color)|burgundy]]. Copper was also used in the renovation process of the roof.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" />
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In 1998, large-scale reconstruction work began to convert the station from a terminus to a through station. A tunnel was excavated between [[Antwerpen-Berchem railway station]] in the south of the city and [[Antwerpen-Dam railway station]] in the north, passing under the Central Station, with platforms on two underground levels. This allows [[Thalys]], [[HSL 4]] and [[HSL-Zuid]] [[high-speed rail|high-speed train]]s to travel through Antwerpen-Centraal without the need to turn around (the previous layout obliged [[Amsterdam]]–Brussels trains to call only at Antwerpen-Berchem or reverse at Central).
In 1998, large-scale reconstruction work began to convert the station from a terminus to a through station. A tunnel was excavated between [[Antwerpen-Berchem railway station]] in the south of the city and [[Antwerpen-Dam railway station]] in the north, passing under the Central Station, with platforms on two underground levels. This allows [[Thalys]], [[HSL 4]] and [[HSL-Zuid]] [[high-speed rail|high-speed train]]s to travel through Antwerpen-Centraal without the need to turn around (the previous layout obliged [[Amsterdam]]–Brussels trains to call only at Antwerpen-Berchem or reverse at Central).


The major elements of the construction project were completed in 2007, and the first through trains ran on 25 March 2007.<ref>Antwerpen Centraal fully open ''[[Today's Railways Europe]]'' issue 146 February 2008 page 7</ref> The station was awarded a Grand Prix at the [[European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.europanostra.org/laureates-2011/ |title=EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601032449/http://www.europanostra.org/laureates-2011/ |archive-date=1 June 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-11-695_en.htm|title = Press corner}}</ref>
The major elements of the construction project were completed in 2007, and the first through trains ran on 25 March 2007.<ref>Antwerpen Centraal fully open ''[[Today's Railways Europe]]'' issue 146 February 2008 page 7</ref> The station was awarded a Grand Prix at the [[European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.europanostra.org/laureates-2011/ |title=EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601032449/http://www.europanostra.org/laureates-2011/ |archive-date=1 June 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-11-695_en.htm|title = Press corner}}</ref> These works, including the connecting tunnels, cost €765 million<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/antwerpen/?cf-view | title=Antwerpen Centraal and North South Junction }}</ref>


==Architecture==
==Architecture==
The station is widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20140825_01231696|title= Antwerpen-Centraal is mooiste station ter wereld|language=Dutch|access-date=25 January 2017|date=25 August 2014}}</ref> although the extraordinary eclecticism of the influences on Delacenserie's design had led to a difficulty in assigning it to a particular architectural style. In [[W. G. Sebald]]'s novel ''[[Austerlitz (novel)|Austerlitz]]'' an ability to appreciate the full range of the styles that might have influenced Delacenserie is used to illustrate the brilliance of the fictional architectural historian who is the novel's [[protagonist]]. Owing to the vast dome above the waiting room hall, the building became colloquially known as the ''spoorwegkathedraal'' ("railroad cathedral").
The station is widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20140825_01231696|title= Antwerpen-Centraal is mooiste station ter wereld|language=Dutch|access-date=25 January 2017|date=25 August 2014}}</ref> although the extraordinary eclecticism of the influences on Delacenserie's design had led to a difficulty in assigning it to a particular architectural style. In [[W. G. Sebald]]'s novel ''[[Austerlitz (novel)|Austerlitz]]'' an ability to appreciate the full range of the styles that might have influenced Delacenserie is used to illustrate the brilliance of the fictional architectural historian who is the novel's [[protagonist]]. Owing to the vast dome above the waiting room hall, the building became colloquially known as the ''spoorwegkathedraal'' ("railroad cathedral").


The originally iron and glass train hall (185 metres long and 44 metres<ref name="The-best-in-Heritage" /> or 43 metres<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" /> high) was designed by [[Clément Van Bogaert]],<ref name="The-best-in-Heritage">{{cite web|url=http://presentations.thebestinheritage.com/2012/Antwerp%20Central%20Station|title=Antwerp Central Station is linking history and future!|first=Louis|last=Maraite|publisher=SNCB-Holding|website=The Best in Heritage|access-date=14 September 2016}}</ref> an engineer, and covers an area of 12,000 square metres.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen">{{cite web|title=Projects |url=http://www.duurzamekunststoffen.be/en/projects/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914194057/http://www.duurzamekunststoffen.be/en/projects |archive-date=14 September 2016 |first=Violette |last=Goethals |access-date=14 September 2016 |publisher=Federplast.be |url-status=bot: unknown |df=dmy }}</ref> The height of the station was necessary for dissipating the smoke of steam [[locomotive]]s. The roof of the train hall was originally made of steel.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" />
The originally iron and glass train hall (185 metres long and 44 metres<ref name="The-best-in-Heritage" /> or 43 metres<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" /> high) was designed by [[Clément Van Bogaert]],<ref name="The-best-in-Heritage">{{cite web|url=http://presentations.thebestinheritage.com/2012/Antwerp%20Central%20Station|title=Antwerp Central Station is linking history and future!|first=Louis|last=Maraite|publisher=SNCB-Holding|website=The Best in Heritage|access-date=14 September 2016}}</ref> an engineer, and covers an area of 12,000 square metres.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen">{{cite web|title=Projects |url=http://www.duurzamekunststoffen.be/en/projects/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914194057/http://www.duurzamekunststoffen.be/en/projects |archive-date=14 September 2016 |first=Violette |last=Goethals |access-date=14 September 2016 |publisher=Federplast.be |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> The height of the station was necessary for dissipating the smoke of steam [[locomotive]]s. The roof of the train hall was originally made of steel.<ref name="Duurzamekunststoffen" />


In 2009, the American magazine ''[[Newsweek]]'' judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station.<ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/id/178825 Stations: A Destination That Matches the Journey] ''[[Newsweek]]'' New York 10 January 2009</ref> In 2014, the British-American magazine ''[[Mashable]]'' awarded Antwerpen-Centraal the first place for the most beautiful railway station in the world.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2014/08/23/beautiful-railway-stations/ All Aboard! 12 Beautiful Railway Stations From Around the World] ''[[Mashable]]'' New York 25 August 2014</ref>
In 2009, the American magazine ''[[Newsweek]]'' judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station.<ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/id/178825 Stations: A Destination That Matches the Journey] ''[[Newsweek]]'' New York 10 January 2009</ref> In 2014, the British-American magazine ''[[Mashable]]'' awarded Antwerpen-Centraal the first place for the most beautiful railway station in the world.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2014/08/23/beautiful-railway-stations/ All Aboard! 12 Beautiful Railway Stations From Around the World] ''[[Mashable]]'' New York 25 August 2014</ref>
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Antwerpen-Centraal aerial 4.jpg|Frontal view
File:Antwerpen-Centraal aerial 4.jpg|Frontal view
File:Antwerp Belgium Central-Station-main-hall-01.jpg|Entrance hall
File:Central Hall of Antwerp Central Station, Belgium, July 2022.jpg|Entrance hall<!-- Empty hall, no distractions -->
File:Belgien 7525.jpg|Ceiling
File:Antwerp July 2015-2.jpg|The clock at the upper level
File:Antwerp July 2015-2.jpg|The clock at the upper level
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Station layout ==
==Station layout==
The station has four levels and 14 tracks arranged as follows:
The station has four levels and 14 tracks arranged as follows:
* Level +1: The original station, 6 terminating tracks, arranged as two groups of three and separated by a central opening allowing views of the lower levels
* Level +1: The original station, six terminating tracks, arranged as two groups of three and separated by a central opening allowing views of the lower levels
* Level 0: Houses ticketing facilities and commercial space
* Level 0: Houses ticketing facilities and commercial space
* Level −1: 7 m below street level, 4 terminating tracks, arranged in two pairs separated by the central opening.
* Level −1: 7 m below street level, four terminating tracks, arranged in two pairs separated by the central opening.
* Level −2: 18 m below street level, 4 through tracks, leading to the two tracks of the tunnel under the city (used by high-speed trains and domestic services towards the north).
* Level −2: 18 m below street level, four through tracks, leading to the two tracks of the tunnel under the city (used by high-speed trains and domestic services towards the north).


<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
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The station is served by the following services:<ref>[http://mobility-brochures.b-rail.be/nl/ic-brochures Belgian railways timetable brochures] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205094929/http://mobility-brochures.b-rail.be/nl/ic-brochures |date=5 February 2015 }}</ref>
The station is served by the following services:<ref>[http://mobility-brochures.b-rail.be/nl/ic-brochures Belgian railways timetable brochures] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205094929/http://mobility-brochures.b-rail.be/nl/ic-brochures |date=5 February 2015 }}</ref>


*High speed services (''[[Thalys]]'') Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Antwerp - Brussels - Paris
*High speed services (''[[Eurostar]]'') Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Paris
*High speed services (''Thalys'') Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Antwerp - Brussels - Lille
*High speed services (''Eurostar'') Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Lille
*High speed services (''Thalys'') Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Antwerp - Brussels - Chambéry - Bourg-Saint-Maurice (in winter)
*High speed services (''Eurostar'') Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Chambéry – Bourg-Saint-Maurice (in winter)
*High speed services (''Thalys'') Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Antwerp - Brussels - Avignon - Marseille (in summer)
*High speed services (''Eurostar'') Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Avignon – Marseille (in summer)
*International Intercity services Amsterdam (12x a day) or The Hague HS (4x a day) - Rotterdam - Breda - Noorderkempen - Antwerp - Brussels Airport - Brussels
*International Intercity services Amsterdam (12x a day) or The Hague HS (4x a day) – Rotterdam – Breda – Noorderkempen – Antwerp – Brussels Airport – Brussels
*International ''European Sleeper'' service Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin – Prague
*Intercity services (IC-02) Antwerp - Sint-Niklaas - Gent - Bruges - Ostend
*Intercity services (IC-04) Antwerp - Sint-Niklaas - Gent - Kortrijk - Poperinge/Lille
*Intercity services (IC-02) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Gent – Bruges – Ostend
*Intercity services (IC-05) Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels - Nivelles - Charleroi (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-04) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Gent – Kortrijk – Poperinge/Lille
*Intercity services (IC-08) Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels Airport - Leuven - Hasselt
*Intercity services (IC-05) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Nivelles – Charleroi (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-09) Antwerp - Lier - Aarschot - Leuven (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-08) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels Airport – Leuven – Hasselt
*Intercity services (IC-09) Antwerp - Lier - Aarschot - Hasselt - Liège (weekends)
*Intercity services (IC-09) Antwerp – Lier – Aarschot – Leuven (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-10) Antwerp - Mol - Hamont/Hasselt
*Intercity services (IC-09) Antwerp – Lier – Aarschot – Hasselt – Liège (weekends)
*Intercity services (IC-15) Noorderkempen - Antwerp
*Intercity services (IC-10) Antwerp – Mol – Hamont/Hasselt
*Intercity services (IC-22) Essen - Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-15) Noorderkempen – Antwerp
*Intercity services (IC-22) Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels - Halle - Braine-le-Comte - Binche (weekends)
*Intercity services (IC-22) Essen – Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-28) Antwerp - Sint-Niklaas - Gent (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-22) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Halle – Braine-le-Comte – Binche (weekends)
*Intercity services (IC-30) Antwerp - Herentals - Turnhout
*Intercity services (IC-28) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Gent (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-31) Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels - Nivelles - Charleroi (weekends)
*Intercity services (IC-30) Antwerp – Herentals – Turnhout
*Local services (L-22) Roosendaal - Essen - Antwerp - Puurs (weekdays)
*Intercity services (IC-31) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Nivelles – Charleroi (weekends)
*Local services (L-22) Roosendaal - Essen - Antwerp (weekends)
*Local services (L-22) Roosendaal – Essen – Antwerp – Puurs (weekdays)
*Local services (L-23) Antwerp - Aarschot - Leuven
*Local services (L-22) Roosendaal – Essen – Antwerp (weekends)
*Local services (L-24) Antwerp - Herentals - Mol (weekdays)
*Local services (L-23) Antwerp – Aarschot – Leuven
*Local services (L-30) Antwerp - Sint-Niklaas - Lokeren
*Local services (L-24) Antwerp – Herentals – Mol (weekdays)
*Brussels RER services (S1) ''Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels - Waterloo - Nivelles'' (weekdays)
*Local services (L-30) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Lokeren
*Brussels RER services (S1) ''Antwerp - Mechelen - Brussels'' (weekends)
*Brussels RER services (S1) ''Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Waterloo – Nivelles'' (weekdays)
*Brussels RER services (S1) ''Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels'' (weekends)
{{Adjacent stations|noclear=y
{{Adjacent stations|noclear=y
|system1=Thalys
|system1=Thalys
|line1=Thalys|left1=Brussels|right1=Rotterdam|to-left1=Paris-Nord|to-right1=Amsterdam
|line1=9300|left1=Brussels|right1=Rotterdam
|line2=Thalys|left2=Rotterdam|right2=Brussels|to-left2=Amsterdam|to-right2=Lille Europe
|line2=9900|left2=Brussels|right2=Rotterdam
|line3=Neige|left3=Brussels|right3=Rotterdam|to-left3=Bourg-Saint-Maurice|to-right3=Amsterdam
|line3=Neige|left3=Brussels|right3=Rotterdam
|line4=Soleil|left4=Brussels|right4=Rotterdam|to-left4=Marseille|to-right4=Amsterdam
|line4=Soleil|left4=Brussels|right4=Rotterdam
|system5=NS International
|system5=NS International
|line5=9200|left5=Antwerpen-Berchem|right5=Noorderkempen
|line5=9200|left5=Antwerpen-Berchem|right5=Noorderkempen|type5=reverse
|system6=BE
|system6=BE
|line6=IC 02|right6=Antwerpen-Berchem|type6=reverse
|line6=IC 02|right6=Antwerpen-Berchem|type6=reverse
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|line24=S 1|right24=Antwerpen-Berchem|type24=weekdays
|line24=S 1|right24=Antwerpen-Berchem|type24=weekdays
|line25=S 1|right25=Antwerpen-Berchem|type25=weekends
|line25=S 1|right25=Antwerpen-Berchem|type25=weekends
|system26=European Sleeper
|line26=ES|left26=Brussels-South|right26=Roosendaal
}}
}}


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The station is used in ''[[Agatha Christie's Poirot]]'' episode "[[Poirot's Early Cases#"The Chocolate Box"|The Chocolate Box]]" to represent a station in Brussels.
The station is used in ''[[Agatha Christie's Poirot]]'' episode "[[Poirot's Early Cases#"The Chocolate Box"|The Chocolate Box]]" to represent a station in Brussels.


The beginning of ''[[Austerlitz (novel)|Austerlitz]]'', the final novel of the German writer ''[[W. G. Sebald]]'' is set in the station.
The beginning of ''[[Austerlitz (novel)|Austerlitz]]'', the final novel of the German writer ''[[W. G. Sebald]]'' is set in the station.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://charlessaumarezsmith.com/2017/11/09/antwerp-station/ | title = Antwerp Station | last = Smith | first = Charles Saumarez | date = November 9, 2017 | publisher = Charles Saumarez Smith | access-date = June 12, 2024}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal|Belgium}}
* [[List of railway stations in Belgium]]
* [[List of railway stations in Belgium]]
* [[Rail transport in Belgium]]


==References==
==References==

{{Reflist}}
===Footnotes===
{{notelist}}

===Citations===
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Antwerp Central Station}}
{{Commons category|Antwerp Central Station}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110706133429/http://hari.b-holding.be/infsta/InfoStation.aspx?StationId=1000037&Lang=3 Official station page] at the [[NMBS]] website
* [http://www.belgianrail.be/en/stations-and-train/search-a-station/6/ANTWERPEN-CENTRAAL.aspx Official station page] at the [[NMBS]] website
*[http://360.io/4LqnMR 360 panorama of station]
* [http://360.io/4LqnMR 360 panorama of station]


{{Antwerp}}
{{Antwerp}}
{{Eurostar navbox}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Antwerpen-Centraal Railway Station}}
⚫
[[Category:Railway stations in Belgium]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Antwerp]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Antwerp]]
[[Category:Public transport in Antwerp]]
[[Category:Public transport in Antwerp]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Antwerp]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Antwerp]]
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[[Category:Railway stations in Belgium opened in 1905]]
[[Category:Art Nouveau architecture in Belgium]]
[[Category:Art Nouveau architecture in Belgium]]
[[Category:1905 establishments in Belgium]]
[[Category:Railway stations opened in 1905]]
[[Category:Art Nouveau railway stations]]
[[Category:Art Nouveau railway stations]]
[[Category:Railway stations located underground in Belgium]]
[[Category:Railway stations located underground in Belgium]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Antwerp]]

Latest revision as of 02:04, 23 October 2024

"Antwerp Central" redirects here. For the Belgian film, see Antwerp Central (film).

Antwerpen-Centraal
Railway Station
View of the station from the Koningin Astridplein
General information
LocationKoningin Astridplein,
2018 Antwerp
Belgium
Coordinates51°13′02″N 4°25′16″E / 51.21722°N 4.42111°E / 51.21722; 4.42111
Owned byNMBS/SNCB
Operated byNMBS/SNCB
Line(s)12, 25, 27, 59
Platforms8 (24)
Tracks14
Construction
Platform levels4
Other information
Station codeANTC
IATA codeZWE
History
Opened11 August 1905; 119 years ago (1905-08-11)
Map
Location
Antwerpen-Centraal is located in Belgium
Antwerpen-Centraal
Antwerpen-Centraal
Location within Belgium
Antwerpen-Centraal is located in Europe
Antwerpen-Centraal
Antwerpen-Centraal
Antwerpen-Centraal (Europe)

Antwerpen-Centraal railway station (Dutch: Station Antwerpen-Centraal; French: Gare d'Anvers-Central)[a] is the main railway station in Antwerp, Belgium. It is one of the most important hubs in the country and is one of the four Belgian stations on the high-speed rail network. From 1873 to early 2007, it was a terminal station. The current building, designed by the architect Louis Delacenserie, was constructed between 1895 and 1905. On 23 March 2007, a tunnel with two continuous tracks was opened under part of the city and under the station. The train services are operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB).[1]

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

Antwerp's first station was the terminus of the Brussels–Mechelen–Antwerp railway line, which opened on 3 June 1836. The original station building was made of wood and was replaced by a new and larger building on the occasion of the opening of the new international connection to the Netherlands in 1854–55.

Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, c. 1910. Note the elaborate garden on the Koningin Astridplein.

The current terminal station building was constructed between 1895 and 1905 as a replacement for the first station. The stone-clad building was designed by the architect Louis Delacenserie. The viaduct into the station is also a notable structure designed by local architect Jan Van Asperen. A plaque on the north wall bears the name Middenstatie ("Middle Station"), an expression now antiquated in Dutch. To the north of the station a large public square, known as the Statieplein ("Station Square"), was created, acting as an entry to the city for its many commuters. In 1935, the square's name was changed to the Koningin Astridplein, in honour of the recently deceased Queen Astrid.

World War II damage and restoration

[edit]

During World War II, severe damage was inflicted to the train hall by the impact of V-2 rockets, though the structural stability of the building remained intact, according to the National Railway Company of Belgium.[2] Nevertheless, it has been claimed that the warping of the substructure due to a V-2 impact had caused constructional stresses.[3] The impact remains visible due to a lasting wave-distortion in the roofing of the hall.[2]

Visible wave-distortion in the roof of the train hall. The warping of the structure can be seen at the far top-right end of the roof.

In the mid-20th century, the building's condition had deteriorated to the point that its demolition was being considered. The station was closed on 31 January 1986 for safety reasons, after which restoration work to the roof (starting at the end of March 1986 and finishing in September 1986) and façades was performed. The stress problems due to the impact of bombs during the war were reportedly solved by the use of polycarbonate sheets instead of glass, due to its elasticity and its relatively low weight (40% less than glass), which avoided the need for extra supporting pillars.[3] After replacing or repairing steel elements, they were painted burgundy. Copper was also used in the renovation process of the roof.[3]

Expansion for high-speed trains

[edit]

In 1998, large-scale reconstruction work began to convert the station from a terminus to a through station. A tunnel was excavated between Antwerpen-Berchem railway station in the south of the city and Antwerpen-Dam railway station in the north, passing under the Central Station, with platforms on two underground levels. This allows Thalys, HSL 4 and HSL-Zuid high-speed trains to travel through Antwerpen-Centraal without the need to turn around (the previous layout obliged Amsterdam–Brussels trains to call only at Antwerpen-Berchem or reverse at Central).

The major elements of the construction project were completed in 2007, and the first through trains ran on 25 March 2007.[4] The station was awarded a Grand Prix at the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards in 2011.[5][6] These works, including the connecting tunnels, cost €765 million[7]

Architecture

[edit]

The station is widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium,[8] although the extraordinary eclecticism of the influences on Delacenserie's design had led to a difficulty in assigning it to a particular architectural style. In W. G. Sebald's novel Austerlitz an ability to appreciate the full range of the styles that might have influenced Delacenserie is used to illustrate the brilliance of the fictional architectural historian who is the novel's protagonist. Owing to the vast dome above the waiting room hall, the building became colloquially known as the spoorwegkathedraal ("railroad cathedral").

The originally iron and glass train hall (185 metres long and 44 metres[9] or 43 metres[3] high) was designed by Clément Van Bogaert,[9] an engineer, and covers an area of 12,000 square metres.[3] The height of the station was necessary for dissipating the smoke of steam locomotives. The roof of the train hall was originally made of steel.[3]

In 2009, the American magazine Newsweek judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station.[10] In 2014, the British-American magazine Mashable awarded Antwerpen-Centraal the first place for the most beautiful railway station in the world.[11]

  • Frontal view
    Frontal view
  • Entrance hall
    Entrance hall
  • Ceiling
    Ceiling
  • The clock at the upper level
    The clock at the upper level

Station layout

[edit]

The station has four levels and 14 tracks arranged as follows:

  • Level +1: The original station, six terminating tracks, arranged as two groups of three and separated by a central opening allowing views of the lower levels
  • Level 0: Houses ticketing facilities and commercial space
  • Level −1: 7 m below street level, four terminating tracks, arranged in two pairs separated by the central opening.
  • Level −2: 18 m below street level, four through tracks, leading to the two tracks of the tunnel under the city (used by high-speed trains and domestic services towards the north).
  • The different levels
    The different levels
  • Station atrium showing the four levels
    Station atrium showing the four levels
  • Platform 21 on level -2
    Platform 21 on level -2

Services

[edit]

The station is served by the following services:[12]

  • High speed services (Eurostar) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Paris
  • High speed services (Eurostar) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Lille
  • High speed services (Eurostar) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Chambéry – Bourg-Saint-Maurice (in winter)
  • High speed services (Eurostar) Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Avignon – Marseille (in summer)
  • International Intercity services Amsterdam (12x a day) or The Hague HS (4x a day) – Rotterdam – Breda – Noorderkempen – Antwerp – Brussels Airport – Brussels
  • International European Sleeper service Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin – Prague
  • Intercity services (IC-02) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Gent – Bruges – Ostend
  • Intercity services (IC-04) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Gent – Kortrijk – Poperinge/Lille
  • Intercity services (IC-05) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Nivelles – Charleroi (weekdays)
  • Intercity services (IC-08) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels Airport – Leuven – Hasselt
  • Intercity services (IC-09) Antwerp – Lier – Aarschot – Leuven (weekdays)
  • Intercity services (IC-09) Antwerp – Lier – Aarschot – Hasselt – Liège (weekends)
  • Intercity services (IC-10) Antwerp – Mol – Hamont/Hasselt
  • Intercity services (IC-15) Noorderkempen – Antwerp
  • Intercity services (IC-22) Essen – Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels (weekdays)
  • Intercity services (IC-22) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Halle – Braine-le-Comte – Binche (weekends)
  • Intercity services (IC-28) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Gent (weekdays)
  • Intercity services (IC-30) Antwerp – Herentals – Turnhout
  • Intercity services (IC-31) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Nivelles – Charleroi (weekends)
  • Local services (L-22) Roosendaal – Essen – Antwerp – Puurs (weekdays)
  • Local services (L-22) Roosendaal – Essen – Antwerp (weekends)
  • Local services (L-23) Antwerp – Aarschot – Leuven
  • Local services (L-24) Antwerp – Herentals – Mol (weekdays)
  • Local services (L-30) Antwerp – Sint-Niklaas – Lokeren
  • Brussels RER services (S1) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels – Waterloo – Nivelles (weekdays)
  • Brussels RER services (S1) Antwerp – Mechelen – Brussels (weekends)
Preceding station Eurostar Following station
Brussels-South
towards Paris-Nord
 Eurostar Rotterdam Centraal
towards Amsterdam Centraal
Brussels-South
towards Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy
Brussels-South
towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice
 Eurostar (winter)
Brussels-South
towards Marseille-Saint-Charles
 Eurostar (summer)
Preceding station NS International Following station
Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Brussels-South
 Intercity Direct 9200
 Noorderkempen
towards Amsterdam Centraal
Preceding station NMBS/SNCB Following station
Terminus IC 02
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Oostende
IC 04
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Lille-Flandres or Poperinge
IC 05 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Charleroi-Sud
IC 08 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Hasselt
IC 09
weekdays, except holidays
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Leuven
IC 09
weekends
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Liège-Guillemins
IC 10 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Hamont or Hasselt
Antwerpen-Luchtbal
towards Noorderkempen
 IC 15 Terminus
Ekeren
towards Essen
 IC 22
weekdays, except holidays
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
Terminus IC 22
weekends
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Binche
IC 28
weekends
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Gent-Sint-Pieters
IC 30 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Turnhout
IC 31
weekdays
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
IC 31
weekends
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Charleroi-Sud
Antwerpen-Luchtbal
towards Roosendaal
 L 22 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Puurs
Terminus L 23 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Leuven
L 24
weekdays
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Mol
L 30
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Lokeren
S 1
weekdays
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Nivelles
S 1
weekends
 Antwerpen-Berchem
towards Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid
Preceding station European Sleeper Following station
Brussels-South
Terminus
 Brussels - Prague Roosendaal
towards Praha hl.n.
[edit]

A staged "flash mob"-like event at the station in early 2009, featuring the song "Do-Re-Mi" from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, became a viral video. It was performed by 200 dancers of various ages, along with several dozen waiting passengers who just jumped in and joined the dance themselves. The video was produced to publicize Op zoek naar Maria, the Belgian TV version of the BBC talent competition programme How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, about the search for an actress to play the lead role in a stage revival of The Sound of Music.

The station is used in Agatha Christie's Poirot episode "The Chocolate Box" to represent a station in Brussels.

The beginning of Austerlitz, the final novel of the German writer W. G. Sebald is set in the station.[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ Officially Antwerpen-Centraal (Dutch: Antwerpen-Centraal; French: Anvers-Central)

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ "ANTWERPEN-CENTRAAL". belgianrail.be. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b Erik Sclep (Communication Manager SNCB Holding), ed. (May 2011). "Welcome To Antwerp Centraal. The Railway Cathedral of the 20th and 21st century" (PDF). SNCB Holding (la Gare / het Station) National Railway Company of Belgium.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Goethals, Violette. "Projects". Federplast.be. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. ^ Antwerpen Centraal fully open Today's Railways Europe issue 146 February 2008 page 7
  5. ^ "EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2011". Archived from the original on 1 June 2014.
  6. ^ "Press corner".
  7. ^ "Antwerpen Centraal and North South Junction".
  8. ^ "Antwerpen-Centraal is mooiste station ter wereld" (in Dutch). 25 August 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  9. ^ a b Maraite, Louis. "Antwerp Central Station is linking history and future!". The Best in Heritage. SNCB-Holding. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  10. ^ Stations: A Destination That Matches the Journey Newsweek New York 10 January 2009
  11. ^ All Aboard! 12 Beautiful Railway Stations From Around the World Mashable New York 25 August 2014
  12. ^ Belgian railways timetable brochures Archived 5 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Smith, Charles Saumarez (9 November 2017). "Antwerp Station". Charles Saumarez Smith. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
[edit]
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