The city of Antwerp has corrected a long-standing error on street name signs around Koningin Astridplein, updating the birth year of Queen Astrid. For 20 years, the signs mistakenly displayed 1901 instead of the accurate year, 1905. This update highlights the importance of historical accuracy in public spaces.
- Antwerpen plaatst nieuwe straatnaambordjes correct
- Koningin Astrids geboortejaar aangepast naar 1905
- Oud onderschrift vermeldde foutief 1901 jaar
- Fout bleef 20 jaar onopgemerkt
- Instagramvolger ontdekte en meldde de fout
- Stadsgids Tanguy Ottomer betrokken bij correctie
The mistake was first noticed by a follower of city guide Tanguy Ottomer’s Instagram page. On 2025-08-26 16:13:00, the city responded by replacing the signs with the correct information, ensuring that residents and visitors now see the right details about Queen Astrid’s birth.
How often do small errors like this go unnoticed in public spaces? And what does this correction mean for Antwerp’s commitment to preserving its heritage? Let’s explore the significance of this update in the Fast Answer below.
Why does this matter beyond a simple date correction? Accurate public information reflects respect for history and helps educate the public. This incident also shows the power of social media in spotting and correcting errors. Key points include:
- Historical facts on public signage contribute to cultural identity.
- Community engagement, like social media followers, plays a role in maintaining accuracy.
- Correcting errors promptly supports Antwerp’s image as a city that values its heritage.
Moving forward, Antwerp’s initiative could inspire other municipalities to audit their public signage. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stay vigilant and report discrepancies to keep the city’s history accurate and respected.
