A Room with a ZOO: Space to connect, think and grow

In the centre of Antwerp, A Room with a ZOO redefines the modern meeting experience. With panoramic views of ZOO Antwerp, abundant natural light and a strong sustainable vision, the venue creates an inspiring environment where people, ideas and nature come together.

Many convention venues are built around large, enclosed halls with artificial lighting and little connection to the outside world. A Room with a ZOO takes a completely different approach. Here, meetings and congresses take place in bright, open spaces designed to encourage creativity, focus and well-being.

Located in the heart of Antwerp, this unique venue has quickly grown into one of the city’s most appreciated event destinations. Visitors are surrounded by architecture, greenery and the atmosphere of the adjacent zoo – a setting that naturally encourages interaction and inspiration.

“We strongly believe in sustainability, but not only in the ecological sense,” explains Chief Commercial Officer Anja Stas. “For us, sustainability is also about personal well-being. We constantly ask ourselves: how can we create an environment where people feel energised, inspired and comfortable?”

A venue where history and innovation meet

A Room with a ZOO is part of the Elisabeth Center Antwerp and combines historic character with contemporary infrastructure. While the oldest parts of the building date back to 1897, the venue today offers state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, excellent acoustics and highly flexible event spaces.

The Queen Elisabeth Hall can host up to 2,000 guests, while more than twenty additional meeting rooms provide space for breakout sessions, receptions and smaller gatherings.

What truly distinguishes the venue, however, is its atmosphere. Large windows overlook the gardens and animals of Antwerp ZOO, creating a rare sense of openness in a convention setting. The transition between the historic architecture and the modern wing feels seamless.

“People often say they almost forget they are inside,” says Stas. “Natural daylight is everywhere, and we make a conscious effort to bring fresh air into the building continuously. The indoor air is completely refreshed several times every hour, which has a real impact on comfort and concentration.”

A sustainable vision beyond the venue

Sustainability is deeply embedded in the organisation’s philosophy. Hosting an event at A Room with a ZOO means contributing directly to nature conservation projects supported by the Antwerp ZOO Society.

“Every event organised here contributes to a greener future,” explains Stas. “Some initiatives support international conservation programmes, while others are located much closer to home.”

One example is De Zegge, the organisation’s nature reserve near Geel and one of Belgium’s largest protected natural areas. Contributions generated through the venue help support biodiversity and conservation efforts both locally and internationally.

The sustainable vision also extends to catering. The culinary team focuses heavily on vegetarian and plant-based cuisine, with approximately eighty percent of the menu being vegetarian.

“Our chefs are trained to create modern, flavourful dishes that are both sustainable and healthy,” says Stas. “People are often pleasantly surprised by how creative and refined vegetarian cuisine can be.”

A congress experience connected to the city

The location itself is another major advantage. Situated directly next to Antwerp Central Station, the venue is exceptionally accessible for both Belgian and international visitors.

Guests can step off the train and walk directly into the convention centre within minutes. From there, the city unfolds around them. Historic streets, hotels, restaurants, museums and shopping areas are all within walking distance.

According to Stas, movement and interaction are essential ingredients of a successful congress experience.

“People absorb information differently when they can move, relax and recharge throughout the day,” she explains. “A walk through the zoo during a break creates a completely different energy compared to a traditional conference environment.”

That combination of nature, gastronomy, accessibility and architecture creates an event experience that feels dynamic and human. Visitors are not confined to a closed-off congress hall – they remain connected to the city, to nature and to each other.

And of course, there is always the possibility to explore ZOO Antwerp itself. Because when your meeting room overlooks giraffes, flamingos or historic gardens, it becomes difficult to resist stepping outside and experiencing it all up close.