Daniel Libeskind, founder of Studio Libeskind, has been selected to transform the iconic Boerentoren Tower,
located in the center of Antwerp, Belgium, into a major new public cultural centre.
Design features
The Art Deco tower, officially known as the KBC Tower, was designed by Jan van Howenaker.
When it was constructed between 1929 and 1932, the Boerentoren Tower was the first skyscraper on the European continent,
and was recognized as the “tallest building and second” tallest building of any type in the city until 2019.
Libeskind will crown the tower with an angular glass extension at the top,
and a vertical transparent column that will be filled with plenty of plants and greenery in the back façade.
The tower will also feature exhibition spaces, a panoramic observation deck,
a rooftop sculpture garden and new restaurants and bars.
If all goes well, the project is expected to open to the public in 2028.
The Boerentoren Tower was originally designed as a residential tower,
and later became the seat of the bank after World War II.
In 1981, the tower was recognized as a protected monument and became part of the listed heritage of Flanders,
under the supervision of the Flanders Heritage Department and Antwerp Heritage.
The tower was purchased by Katoen Natie in 2020, to convert the tower into a cultural institution.
The center will house the Phoebus Foundation’s historical collection of port heritage through temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Retaining the original features of the tower
With the new design of Boerentoren, Libeskind will preserve and restore the original features of the Boerentoren Tower.
The architect will enhance his prominence through his distinguished architectural approach and design.
According to the studio’s press release, “virtually the entire building will house primarily the Phoebus Art Experience.
From The Phoebus Foundation’s collection of art,
with a separate gallery space dedicated to showcasing the Foundation’s historical collection of port heritage.
Most likely, the Phoebus’ Foundation will be the core of the tower’s cultural function,
and Boerentoren’s design is set to be built into Antwerp’s new cultural center.
While no other details about the project were revealed,
VRT News reported that Daniel Libeskind will be working with Belgian architects ELD on the Katoen project.
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