Beyaertfontein

“This is one of the most beautiful fountains in the city and it is located in one of the worst places: on the edge of town, in the median strip between two busy streets. A fountain like this deserves a square. And that’s what it was originally designed for. In 1886 it was placed in front of the entrance of the National Bank on the Frankrijklei. In the 1930s it was moved here to make way for the memorial monument of Albert I. That, in turn, had to disappear in the 1950s when the Leien were redeveloped. The monument of Albert I has since stood at the entrance of the City Park.”

Commonly known as the Beyaert fountain, this fountain is referred to as the “frog fountain.” Although it was nearly called the “dolphin fountain.” “In the original design, instead of the eight bronze frogs, there were eight dolphins sketched. But for some reason, those were never made. Furthermore, we also see lion masks and coats of arms of European port cities. Next to the fountain are two bronze groups of sculptures by artist Josuë Dupon.”

“The design of the fountain itself is by architect Henri Beyaert, who also designed the National Bank. He gifted the fountain to the city. The water basin has a diameter of no less than 10.5 meters. I have long been advocating at the city council to move the frog fountain to Astrid Square. It would give our station square so much grandeur.”

GVA - Gazet van Antwerpen