When one thinks of Belgium, a few iconic images immediately spring to mind: waffles, famous beers, and of course, world-renowned Belgian chocolate.
It is the latter that my latest adventure is about, a journey through Belgium’s largest chocolate museum – Chocolate Nation in Antwerp. Located in the heart of Antwerp, Chocolate Nation promises to be an experience every chocolate lover dreams of. With fourteen dynamically decorated rooms, the museum tells the fascinating story of Belgian chocolate, from cocoa bean to chocolate bar.
But Chocolate Nation is more than just a museum; it is a celebration of Belgian chocolate in all its forms and flavors. During my visit to Chocolate Nation, which opened its doors in 2019, I was immediately impressed by its modern and fresh look.
Everything in the museum felt new and sleek, which created a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the world of chocolate. The start of the experience is the educational path that tells the story of chocolate, from tree to bar.
This journey was not only educational, but also technically beautifully presented.
I followed the path of the cocoa bean through several stages, culminating in a (fictional) restaurant where my dessert plate was richly filled with a delectable chocolate creation. After this tasty adventure, I dove into the history of Belgian chocolate.
It was fascinating to discover where brands like Neuhaus, Gyalian, Leonidas, … came from.
This journey through time was enriched with beautiful drawings, illustrations and immersive audio support, available in multiple languages.
This made the experience not only informative, but also interactive and personal. For Instagram enthusiasts, the museum offers several photo opportunities.
My visit coincided with a Christmas theme, which provided beautiful, festive backdrops for photos.
These moments were a fun way to capture memories of this special day. A highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the chance to taste ten different chocolate flavors.
This tasting was a true delight for the senses and provided a perfect conclusion to the educational trip.
For those of us who just can’t get enough of chocolate, there was still the Chocolate Nation store.
Here I found a wealth of chocolate products, including my favorites, and even matching Belgian beers. Overall, my visit to Chocolate Nation was an unforgettable experience, with every aspect – from education to tasting – contributing to my appreciation and love of Belgian chocolate.Finally, those who wish to roll up their sleeves can opt for the ultimate experience and attend a workshop at the same time. For all info see www.chocolatenation.be
