Antwerp's 'human zoo': Belgium confronts shame of colonial past
Summary
In 1894, Antwerp hosted a World's Fair where 144 Congolese people were forcibly displayed in a "human zoo" at the Congo Pavilion. Today, Antwerp is addressing this dark part of its colonial history by unveiling a monument to honor the victims and acknowledge the suffering caused during Belgium's colonial rule.Key Facts
- In 1894, 144 Congolese people were brought to Antwerp against their will for public display.
- This display was part of the Congo Pavilion at the Antwerp World's Fair.
- Seven Congolese men died from disease during their forced stay.
- The event is considered one of Belgium’s darkest colonial history episodes.
- In May 2026, Antwerp unveiled a monument to remember the victims.
- The monument responds to demands from the Congolese community in Belgium.
- Antwerp was a wealthy port city that benefitted greatly from Belgium’s colonial rule over Congo.
- Belgium has been slowly confronting and acknowledging its colonial past.
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