Former Banque Lambert
Address Avenue Marnix 24
City/Neighborhood Brussels
Style(s)
- International
- Modern 50-60
Original use
- Offices
Year 1965
Architect(s) and/or artist(s)
- Bunschaft Gordon
Designed by American architect Gordon Bunschaft, on behalf of Baron Léon Lambert, the headquarters of the Banque Lambert were built between 1959 and 1963, in International style.
The magnificent facade that runs along Avenue Marnix is made up of high-quality concrete, white cement and quartz structural elements that give it the appearance of marble. The parts are joined together by chrome-plated stainless steel hinges of a timeless design.
The monumental ensemble gives off an impression of power, but above all of elegance and lightness. The large travertine esplanade further reinforces this impression.
The interior of the building exuded luxury and modernity, everything was imagined by the architect and his wealthy client. Furniture by Knoll, Mies Van der Rohe, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, was displayed in public spaces and receptions. Works of art decorated the offices, the banking hall, the restaurant, and the Baron’s private penthouse on the 7th and 8th floors, as well as a large sculpture by Henry Moore (Lambert Locking piece) on the esplanade.
After the acquisition of the group by ING in 1998, only a part of the works of art joined the ING Belgium collection.
A second building was built by the same architect, inaugurated in 1992, it fortunately kept all the codes of the first one to create a harmonious whole.
BRU49 - Unless otherwise stated © www.admirable-facades.brussels for all photos