1531–1661: Commodity exchange
Favourable conditions led to trade in Antwerp flourishing in the 16th century on an unprecedented level. As Antwerp took over from Bruges the role of prime trade center in the Burgundian Netherlands, it grew into a large metropolis with more than 100,000 inhabitants, including 10,000 foreign merchants, mostly Spaniards and Portuguese. It developed at the same time into an important financial centre in Europe. All these financial transactions necessitated the construction of an appropriate infrastructure. In 1485, Antwerp wholesalers had obtained permission from the city magistrate to establish a "gemeyne borze" (common exchange). This building soon proved inadequate and as early as 1526–1527, plans were drawn up for a newer and more spacious seat. The new Exchange ('nieuwe beurs') was built in 1531 to replace the old exchange.[6] The new exchange was located in the Twaalfmaandenstraat, a small side street off the Meir, the main commercial street in Antwerp.
The new exchange's building was conceived as a rectangular square with galleries covered on four sides, built on top of a street intersection. For half a century this exchange would be the focal point of European trade and the model for cities with similar ambitions. From 1531 to 1661, it was the site of the world's first specialised commodity exchange. The motto of the exchange was "in usum negotiatorum cuiuscumque nationis et linguae" (for the convenience of traders of any nationality and language).[6]
The first building was built in the late Brabantine Gothic style in 1531 after a design by Domien de Waghemakere. A rectangular open space was enclosed by a colonnade covered with star and net vaults.[7] The gallery concept of this building served as a model for London's Royal Exchange (designed by Hendrik van Paesschen), as well as for Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Lille.[8] The high-rise 'pagoda towers' with octagonal and cylindrical hull may have served as a lookout for the harbor. Every nation had a more or less permanent location at the exchange.[6]
After a fire in 1583, the Stock Exchange building was immediately rebuilt to the same plan. Due to the Siege of Antwerp (1584–1585) Antwerp lost its leading position in trade in the Low Countries to Amsterdam.
Thomas Gresham, the representative of the English crown in Antwerp, initiated the establishment in London in 1565 of an exchange designed after the Antwerp model. It was initially called the "Bourse" until Queen Elizabeth I, after a visit to the building on 23 January 1570, ordered its name changed to the Royal Exchange.[9] The Middelburg stock exchange was opened in 1592, then Rotterdam in 1595 and Amsterdam in 1611.
1661–1858: Disuse, various uses
Between 1661 and 1810 the building was used, among other things, as a drawing academy and seat of the Guild of Saint Luke.[10] The open interior space was domed in 1853 by Charles Marcellis, following the example of London's Crystal Palace.
1858–1997: Second fire, reconstruction as a stock exchange
After a second fire on 2 August 1858 had once again destroyed the building, the Antwerp city authorities twice organized a design competition in which the old concept had to be preserved. The current building was finally completed in 1872 by architect Joseph Schadde. It combined the neo-gothic style with revolutionary techniques, in particular in the metal construction used to cover the interior. The reconstructed building housed the Antwerp stock exchange, which opened in 1872. Stock were traded here until 1997, when this activity was merged into the Brussels Stock Exchange.[10]
1997–2019: Abandonment, archaeological excavation and renovations
With the closure of the stock exchange, the building lost its purpose and was abandoned and neglected.[11] Various proposals to redevelop the building went nowhere for 15 years. The investment file started moving again in October 2013, after a new partner was found: the Marriott hotel chain. A heritage budget was also released from the Flemish government for the restoration of the Stock Exchange.[12] In October 2014, it was announced that the new building application for the project was approved by the city of Antwerp.[13] But at the beginning of December 2014, it became known that various local residents had appealed to the permanent deputation of the province against the building permit. In April 2015, the province confirmed the building permit on condition some adjustments were made to address the concerns of local residents.[14]
In February 2016, as part of excavations to convert the site into a Marriott Hotel, various archaeological finds were made.
2019–present: Multipurpose venue
After a long and intensive renovation, it was reopened in October 2019 as an events venue (Antwerp Trade Fair) with restaurant, hotel and public passage.[16] The ground floor with its central square is open to the public from Saturday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 17:00.[1]
The building was used as a venue for the 2021 World Choir Games, co-hosted by Antwerp and Ghent. [17]
