MAP - Mercator
MAP - Mercator immerses you in the world of maps and cartography, where historical highlights combine with interactive and immersive installations. As the only cartography museum in Belgium, it shows how maps shape our view of the world. The four thematic zones together answer one central question: what is a map? Highlights include the original Mercator globes, the Largest Atlas in the World and a 4D balloon flight.
Zwijgershoek 14
9100 Sint-Niklaas
+32 3 778 33 40
map@sint-niklaas.be
MAP - Den Brei
MAP - Den Brei lets you experience the rich knitting history of Sint-Niklaas in an authentic industrial setting. Historical knitting machines are running once again, so you can hear their rhythm and smell the machine oil. Discover how craftsmanship, fashion and working conditions shaped life in the knitting industry.
Zwijgershoek 14
9100 Sint-Niklaas
+32 3 778 33 40
map@sint-niklaas.be
MAP - Curiosum
Step inside MAP - Curiosum and discover a house full of memories. From old musical instruments and books to ostrich eggs and modern art: heritage, stories and surprising curiosities all come together here. Interactive features, multimedia productions and thoughtful scenography turn your visit into an engaging, all-round experience.
Zamanstraat 49
9100 Sint-Niklaas
+32 3 778 33 40
map@sint-niklaas.be
MAP - Paviljoen
The former museum building in Mercator Park has been given a new lease of life as a place for temporary exhibitions, creative workshops and inspiring talks. There's always something new and surprising to discover here, with activities that challenge visitors of all ages to explore and create for themselves.
Zamanstraat 49
9100 Sint-Niklaas
+32 3 778 33 40
map@sint-niklaas.be
Accessibility
MAP is for everyone
At MAP, we want everyone to feel welcome. Below you'll find an overview of accessibility at each location. If you have specific questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help!
MAP - Main building (Mercator & Den Brei):
address: Zwijgershoek 14
fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
gently sloping level changes, sufficiently wide passageways and table display cases wheelchair users can roll under
adapted toilet facilities, with the first floor accessible by lift
assistance dogs are welcome
a wheelchair is available free of charge
a walking stick/crutch is available
companions of visitors with a disability card (EDC) receive free admission
groups requiring extra support can let us know in advance
MAP - Curiosum
address: Zamanstraat 49
an accessible toilet is available
assistance dogs are welcome
a walking stick/crutch is available
companions of visitors with a disability card (EDC) receive free admission
groups requiring extra support can let us know in advance
Curiosum is a historic building without a lift. The ground floor is fully accessible to wheelchair users via a ramp at an alternative entrance on Zamanstraat. The first floor can be reached via the adjoining building, accompanied by our museum staff. In this way, we aim to allow everyone to experience the whole house. If you need extra assistance or use a wheelchair, please don't hesitate to contact us at map@sint-niklaas.be or by phone on +32 3 778 34 50.
PLEASE NOTE: The upper floor of Curiosum cannot be visited with an electric wheelchair.
Getting there
MAP is close to everything
By public transport: the museum site is located in the city centre of Sint-Niklaas, which is easily accessible by train and bus.
On foot: the museum site is within walking distance of the Grote Markt and Sint-Niklaas train station.
By bike: there are spacious bicycle racks to the right of the entrance at Zwijgershoek and in Mercator Park.
By car: you'll find the Zwijgershoek car park right next to the museum site. Parking is also available beneath the Grote Markt or at the station.
Guided tours for groups and schools
Book a guide
Our museums are far from ordinary. Here, you don't just look at the past — you experience it through accessible, imaginative collections of every kind. Our enthusiastic guides are ready to give your group a memorable experience.
You can also book a guide if you're visiting with a small group of family or friends. It's well worth it, as you'll hear the story behind the collection or exhibition first-hand.
A guide costs 80 EUR for a tour of up to 2 hours.
School visits to MAP
Are you a teacher planning a visit with your class?
Discover, learn and take part in the museums of MAP! Whether you're curious about maps at MAP - Mercator, the knitting industry at MAP - Den Brei or the remarkable objects at MAP - Curiosum, there's a suitable teaching package or workshop for every age group. From nursery to secondary education, our activities encourage pupils to discover, experiment and tell stories.
What's on
Permanent
Bingozoektocht
Permanent
Mysterieuze Moord in het museum
Permanent
Wolly & Friends
