Antwerp’s iconic Boerentoren—Europe’s pioneering skyscraper erected in 1932—is about to embark on a bold new chapter.
In a visionary collaboration with ELD, Studio Libeskind reveals an architectural project that reinvents this historic Art Deco landmark as a living museum and cultural hub for The Phoebus Foundation’s acclaimed art collection.
© Norviska
Led by Belgian logistics group Katoen Natie and its CEO Fernand Huts, the project restores the Boerentoren’s original grandeur while reimagining it as an open and inviting space for the city and international visitors alike. “This tower is a gift to the people of Antwerp, to Belgium, to the international visitor and to anyone who values heritage, imagination and openness,” Huts affirms. “We’re proud to offer a place where history, culture and forward thinking come together—that is accessible to all.”
© Norviska
At the core of this transformation lies a layered historical narrative: the building’s triangular plan, original steel structure, and façades remain intact, coexisting with the Brutalist interventions from the 1970s. Architect Daniel Libeskind explains, “The new design is wholly informed by the existing structure… This architectural heritage is not overwritten but embraced—each layer of time forming part of a new architectural tapestry.”
© Delva
A key material in the redesign is glass, used thoughtfully to enhance transparency and flood interiors with natural light. This creates an ongoing dialogue between inside and outside, highlighting the original steel frame while opening the building to the city—transforming it into a landmark of light and clarity.
© Studio Libeskind
Among the redevelopment highlights is a new crown that redefines the tower’s striking silhouette on Antwerp’s skyline, featuring two panoramic lifts that transport visitors to elevated exhibition halls and an open-air observation deck with breathtaking views over the city and the Flemish countryside. A publicly accessible sculpture garden offers vistas over the historic center and the River Scheldt, complemented by a fine dining restaurant.
© Studio Libeskind
Inside, a grand atrium will serve as the cultural heart of the building, hosting events, exhibitions, and public encounters, while the ‘Tower Living Room’ will become a museum-like space open to all. Fully compliant with Flemish heritage regulations, the project carefully preserves the original steel structure and façades, blending conservation and innovation into a seamless architectural experience.
Following an extensive preparatory phase—with over €100 million invested and the removal of 4,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated materials—the Boerentoren is poised to be reborn as a beacon of heritage and innovation, a vibrant center of art, culture, and architecture at Antwerp’s core.
© Studio Libeskind
*
Cover image: Render © Norviska
0
comment