National Bank

The building of the National Bank of Belgium occupies the entire block between Francelei, Mechelsesteenweg, and Bourlastraat. The monumental complex in eclectic neo-Renaissance style was designed by architect Hendrik Beyaert. At the location where the National Bank is now situated, the old city walls, constructed on the orders of Emperor Charles V from 1545, used to stand. When Beyaert presented his initial design to the Board of Directors in 1873, they were enthusiastic but found the costs far too high: 2 million francs. Beyaert managed to secure the commission without making concessions. It has indeed become a magnificent building. The towers, spires, loggias, pediments, and obelisks integrate perfectly into the surroundings. Beyaert's likeness can be found in a small window of one of the turrets on the inner facade. In tribute to this sublime architect, the National Bank issued a hundred-franc note seventy-five years after the establishment of the bank building, featuring his portrait alongside an image of a facade of the Antwerp building. Now, the National Bank is still regularly used for receptions and press conferences due to its beautiful interior architecture.

padre jeannot