Up until 2020, my daily routine revolved around trains. Work called me to Brussels, but the journey inevitably went through Antwerp. And let me tell you, if you’re going to spend time switching and waiting for trains, Antwerp Central Station is the place to do it. A temple to travel, it’s less a station and more a cathedral for commuters, and I wasn’t about to waste the opportunity to soak it all in.
Antwerp Central: Where Trains Meet Grandeur
They don’t call it one of the most beautiful train stations in the world for nothing. Every corner of Antwerp Central feels like it’s been lifted straight out of a Wes Anderson film, with its intricate ironwork, soaring red arches, and a light that dances between warm nostalgia and modern energy.
Walking through its platforms and levels was never just about finding my next train—it was about finding perspective. The layered architecture of the station, with its multilevel platforms and lofty glass ceiling, gives the illusion that the station itself is alive, moving with the rhythm of footsteps, arrivals, and departures.
Finding Beauty in the Waiting
Most people grumble about waiting for trains. I didn’t. This station gave me the gift of time—time to look up and appreciate the grand steel arches above the platforms, time to wander past the station’s unique mix of modern and historic details, and time to capture the perfect angles with my camera.
The vibrant red of the support beams felt both industrial and romantic, glowing warmly in the evening light. The endless repetition of lines and curves made the perfect frame for the trains themselves, waiting patiently like actors about to take the stage.
And when I had my fill of the station’s inside, I stepped out to Antwerp’s streets. The surrounding area buzzed with urban energy, a contrast to the station’s regal calm. Cobblestones glistened after rain, reflecting the soft glow of streetlights—a perfect reminder of how even the ordinary becomes extraordinary when you pay attention.
The Puddle Perspective
One of my favorite shots came from the most unglamorous of places: a puddle. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but there’s magic in the mundane. Crouching down to capture the street’s reflection in the water turned an otherwise typical view into something surreal. It was a small, fleeting moment of creativity—proof that inspiration can be found anywhere if you’re willing to get your knees wet.
A Station Like No Other
Looking back, my daily commute wasn’t just a chore. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and appreciate a space that transforms an ordinary activity—travel—into an experience. Antwerp Central wasn’t just a stop along the way; it was a reminder that beauty and art exist even in the middle of life’s routines.
Now, in a post-2020 world where remote work keeps me closer to home, I miss those train rides and the quiet minutes of wandering through Antwerp Central. It’s a space that turns waiting into wandering, motion into meditation.
So, if you ever find yourself there, don’t rush to your next train. Take a minute to walk around, look up, and let the grandeur of the station remind you: even the in-between moments of life can be extraordinary.
📸 Captured & Edited
Shot with: Apple iPhone 14 Max Pro
Edited using: Lightroom Mobile & Skylum Luminar AI
All photos are my own work. Dive deeper and explore more on my website or check out my links.
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