FAQ
1. What exactly is MAP?
MAP (Museums At the Park) is the renewed museum site of Sint-Niklaas, formerly known as the Stedelijke Musea (City Museums). The museum group consists of four museum sites around Mercator Park: Mercator, Den Brei, Curiosum and Paviljoen.
2. Where can I find MAP?
MAP is located around Mercator Park, within walking distance of the train station and the Grote Markt.
Information and tickets are available at MAP's main site, at Zwijgershoek 14, 9100 Sint-Niklaas.
3. What are the opening hours?
The various museum sites are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last tickets are sold at 4.30 p.m. We're closed on Mondays.
Any exceptional closing days will always be clearly announced on the website.
4. Is there one ticket for all locations?
Yes, visitors receive a single ticket giving access to the various MAP sites and the StoreAges, unless stated otherwise for temporary exhibitions. With this ticket, you can revisit the different sites free of charge within six months of purchase.
5. Is MAP accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The main site (Mercator, Den Brei, StoreAges, SN!K exhibition hall) is fully step-free and has a large lift. At Curiosum, 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. Unfortunately, the first floor cannot be visited with a large electric wheelchair. All sites have an accessible toilet. Assistance dogs are always welcome.
6. Can I take photos?
Photography without flash is allowed in most rooms. Exceptions may apply for fragile items or temporary exhibitions, and these will be indicated on site.
Filming and photography at MAP
What's allowed
Visitors may take photos and videos during their visit, under the following conditions:
for personal, non-commercial use only
using handheld devices (smartphone or small camera)
without the use of flash
without disturbing other visitors or the museum's operation
General rule: discreet filming and photography is allowed.
What's not allowed
the use of flash
the use of tripods, selfie sticks or professional equipment
recordings that block passageways or cause a nuisance
any action that could put the collection at risk
When permission is required
Prior permission from MAP is required for:
professional or commercial recordings
press or reportage recordings
content with a clearly professional or commercial character
the use of additional equipment such as tripods, lighting or a crew
Requests can be made via map@sint-niklaas.be. MAP reserves the right to refuse requests or impose conditions.
Respect privacy and copyright
to protect visitors' privacy, it is not permitted to film or photograph identifiable individuals without their consent.
7. Are there lockers or a cloakroom?
Free lockers are available at the reception desk. Large backpacks or bags are not allowed in the exhibition rooms.
8. How long does a visit take?
On average, 60 to 90 minutes at MAP - Mercator and MAP - Curiosum, depending on your interests.
A visit to MAP - Den Brei and the StoreAges takes around 20 minutes on average.
9. Are guided tours available?
Yes. We offer guided tours for groups, schools and organisations. All information and booking options can be found on our groups page.
10. Is MAP suitable for children?
Absolutely. All our museum sites offer interactive elements, trails and activities designed for young visitors.
11. Can I visit with my class?
Yes. MAP works closely with schools and offers educational programmes from nursery to secondary level.
12. Where can I park?
The museum site is right next to the public Zwijgershoek car park. This car park has space for 134 cars, 5 parking spaces for visitors with disabilities and 6 charging points for electric vehicles.
13. Is there a museum café?
MAP doesn't yet have its own museum café, but there are plenty of cosy spots nearby for a bite to eat or drink. A couple of recommendations within walking distance are Crèmerie François and Barfly. There are also numerous cafés, lunch spots and restaurants around the station and the Grote Markt — perfect for combining your museum visit with a tasty break.
14. How can I stay up to date with new exhibitions and activities?
Sign up for our newsletter or follow MAP on social media.
15. Can I bring my dog?
Assistance dogs are always welcome. Other pets are not permitted in the exhibition rooms.
16. Are audio guides available?
For the permanent display and most exhibitions, we provide digital or interactive information on site. If an audio guide is available, this will be indicated on the relevant exhibition page.
17. Is there a shop?
At the main site, you'll find a small, carefully curated shop with publications, maps, small gifts and a changing selection of items linked to our exhibitions.
18. Are the exhibitions multilingual?
Basic information is always available in Dutch. The permanent display at MAP - Mercator is fully available in four languages (Dutch, French, English and German).
19. Can I bring food or drink?
Not into the exhibition spaces themselves, in order to protect the collection. However, you can take a break on the museum site in the park.
20. Can I visit the museum with a pushchair?
Yes. Both the main site (MAP - Mercator, MAP - Den Brei, StoreAges, SN!K exhibition hall) and Curiosum are easily accessible with a pushchair. You can bring your pushchair into most rooms. The main site has a baby-changing table, and a microwave is available for use.