DIVA, the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver

DIVA , MUSEUM FOR DIAMONDS, JEWELLERY AND SILVER

DIVA is the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp. In the permanent exhibition, DIVA, a Brilliant Story, the museum tells the tale of how raw materials are turned into jewellery or silver work.

In Antwerp, the diamond and gemstones story begins back in the 15th century. No matter who dominated the trade over time, Antwerp always held a unique and important position. The story of diamonds, jewellery and silver will be brought to life through seven rooms and across various centuries. You will take the same journey as the raw materials which encounter the experts, traders, creators and designers and, ultimately, the people who wear the jewellery or use the silverware.

ANTWERP, THE UNDISPUTED DIAMOND CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Diamonds have been intrinsically linked to Antwerp for the past 575 years. For most of our history, diamonds were indistinct from the world of gemstones and gold/silversmithing. In its most successful period (the Golden Age) and for many years thereafter, Antwerp was an international centre for gold/silversmithing known for its craftsmanship and creativity. The social/historic evolution in Antwerp is the ongoing theme connecting the various objects in the museum. DIVA and its collection are found in a historic location, in the historic heart of Antwerp. The Grote Markt and the surrounding streets were the ‘place to be’ from the 16th century, for anyone who was seeking objects made of gold, silver and gemstones. Traders and explorers brought their gemstones and precious metals to Europe via the Scheldt.

Want to know more? Make sure to pay a visit to the exhibition DIVA, a Brilliant Story.

DIVA is open to the public again from 24 March 2023. The museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, except on Wednesdays. Buy your tickets online at divaantwerp.be or at the front desk in the museum.

Suikerrui 17 – 19, B-2000 Antwerp

DISCOVER MORE AT DIVA

DIVA ATELIER

The DIVA Atelier makes the connection between the museum and the practice of gold/silversmithing. The atelier is set up as a workshop for goldsmiths and silversmiths. Various master classes and workshops are provided all year round to explain the creative and artisanal side of gold/silversmithing.

As a specialist or professional, you can complete master classes in the DIVA Atelier which focus on specific techniques used in the past and now. Craft fans can also sign up for various workshops throughout the year.

DIVA LIBRARY

For everyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of diamonds, jewellery and silver, there is the library. Take a seat in the reading room, peruse the specialist magazines and consult the physical and digital information resources.

The library can be visited by appointment only during the closure of DIVA.

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