This video explores the rich history of Antwerp's MAS (Museum on the River), located in the vibrant "little island" district, which was once a bustling port area. The MAS now stands on the site of the former Hanseatic House, a significant structure with deep ties to Antwerp’s maritime history.

The story begins in Bruges, a major European trading hub during the Middle Ages due to its strategic location. The Hanseatic League, a powerful network of merchant guilds, established a Kontor in Bruges, marking the city's importance in European trade. However, as the Zwin inlet silted up, Bruges' trade declined, prompting the Hanseatic League to relocate its Kontor to Antwerp in the 16th century.

In Antwerp, the Hanseatic League built a monumental Hanseatic House, designed by Cornelis Floris, to serve as a hub for merchants. Despite its grandeur, the building's significance faded as political turmoil in the late 16th century led many merchants to leave the city. Over the centuries, the Hanseatic House was repurposed for various uses, losing much of its original splendor. A devastating fire in 1893 reduced it to ruins, and the site was later used for warehouses.

In 1998, the foundations of the Hanseatic House were discovered during the construction of the MAS, which opened in 2011. The museum now houses over 600,000 objects related to Antwerp’s cultural and maritime history, inviting visitors to explore the city's global connections and rich heritage.

Chapters:
00:27 Start of the story in Bruges
01:26 The Hanseatic League
02:55 Decline of Bruges’ trade
03:30 From Bruges to Antwerp
04:48 The Hanseatic House in Antwerp
06:48 The end of the glory years
07:42 The next two centuries
08:02 Napoleon in Antwerp
09:04 Grain warehouse
09:23 The fire
09:58 The 20th century
10:18 Foundations of the Hanseatic House
10:46 The MAS

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