Rivierenhof in Deurne

Gianni Camilleri

Located in Deurne, Rivierenhof is the largest park in Antwerp and a favourite for young and old alike. Wander through vibrant collection gardens, explore the arboretum and rose garden, meet the animals at the petting farm, or let the little ones loose in the traffic garden. In summer, enjoy open-air performances at the theatre. History buffs will be captivated by Rivierenhof Castle, while a pause at the museum café in Sterckshof offers a quiet moment to recharge. Whether you’re drawn by nature, culture, or history, Rivierenhof has something for everyone.

Plan your visit

From private estate to city park

The story of Rivierenhof stretches back centuries. In the 16th century, the site began as a private estate and later became home to the Jesuit order, a legacy commemorated by a 1735 plaque. After the order was dissolved in 1773, banker Jan Baptist Cogels acquired the estate and neighbouring Sterckshof, commissioning the renowned architect Charles de Wailly (court architect to King Louis XVI of France) to redesign the park. He added formal gardens, tree-lined avenues, new canals, and a reflective pond. In the early 1920s, Rivierenhof became property of the Province of Antwerp. It was transformed into the city’s largest public park and opened to everyone.

PGRA/Bart Moons

Where heritage, nature, and culture meet

Wide avenues lead past tranquil ponds and monumental trees, while winding paths reveal wilder, untamed nature. Rivierenhof in Deurne has something for everyone. Stroll through the collection gardens, the arboretum, and the rose garden; families can have fun at the petting farm or the traffic garden; or enjoy summer evenings at the open-air theatre. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of numerous playing fields, while heritage lovers admire Rivierenhof Castle, now a stylish restaurant overlooking the mirror-like pond. Nearby, Sterckshof, a 16th-century Renaissance-style castle , is also worth visiting and is set to become a lively creative hub for art and community life.