DIVA aims to be the hub for jewellery, silver and diamonds in Flanders for the general public, enthusiasts and professionals.
DIVA aims to foster an appreciation for jewellery, silver and diamonds in the broadest sense. We share our passion for heritage and craftsmanship and challenge individuals to learn and develop their creativity to the fullest. Visitors can not only delve into the stories about and behind the objects, but also experience the passion, craftsmanship and creativity.
DIVA aims to be the hub for jewellery, silver and diamonds in Flanders for the general public, enthusiasts and professionals, and to pass on a passion for and knowledge of the craft to future generations. Whether you’re encountering a polishing table for the first time or are a seasoned goldsmith: you are always welcome here to let your creativity run wild and find inspiration.
DIVA is the (inter)national reference point for jewellery, silver and diamonds and helps ensure Antwerp’s dominant position in these fields. DIVA’s collection policy focuses on jewellery, silver and diamonds, from the 15th century to the present day, from Antwerp, Flanders and the Low Countries in an (inter)national context.
DIVA is therefore committed to gathering knowledge about the collections and sharing this knowledge with the public, to build connections. As such, you can explore our online collection, visit the library with over 23,000 publications, or get hands-on in the workshop. In addition, DIVA organises activities for schools, families and non-native speakers, including tailored guided tours. Have a look at our education programme for more details.
Would you like to find out more about DIVA’s ambitions, objectives and plans? Then read the Policy Plan 2024–2028.
In 2013, the Province of Antwerp purchased the former buildings of the Museum of Folklore and Ethnography to house DIVA. DIVA opened its doors on the Suikerrui in Antwerp in 2018.
In May 2018, the former Diamond Museum opened in a new form and merged with the collection of the former Silver Museum. DIVA, the museum for jewellery, silver and diamonds, was officially born. The museum is housed in the former buildings of the Museum of Folklore and Ethnography. And this is no coincidence. The neighbourhood where DIVA stands has been (and still is) a place where goldsmiths and jewellers have lived, worked and sold their products for over 575 years. It is here where Antwerp built its reputation as a world centre for diamonds and goldsmithing.
In addition to the permanent exhibition ‘A Brilliant Story’, the museum has organised exhibitions with national and international partners, such as ‘Wonderkamer I: Axel Vervoordt’, ‘Wonderkamer II: Wouters & Hendrix’, ‘Silver Triennial’, ‘The Jeweller’s Art: revolutionary jewellery from the 1960s–1970s’ and ‘Masterpieces in Miniature: Treasures from the Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Collection’ in collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
