Aperçu

On 25 September 1907, following a congress of the Belgian Workers’ Party (POB) in 1906, Social Security was created. Thanks to the support of the Union du Crédit and the Banque Nationale, the organisation was able to take off again in 1912. To mark this turning point, it commissioned architect Richard Pringiers, a disciple of Victor Horta, to draw up plans for a new building to house its services. In 1913, the head office moved to Square de l’Aviation in Anderlecht, to a building in the late Art Nouveau style. In 1919, the company had to manage the creation of SMAP, and its profits continued to grow, so much so that in 1930, it entrusted architects Fernand and Maxime Brunfaut with the rationalisation and refitting of its premises. While the duo preserved the ensemble without altering it, they also created one of the most successful interiors of the period, blending Art Deco and modernism. The large hall, with its flowing curves, is richly decorated with veined white marble, green granite, blue mosaics and numerous chrome elements. Once through the vestibule-porch, you enter the space enclosed by a continuous counter. The mezzanine floor was converted into a mezzanine and housed staff offices. Others, on the upper floor, were intended for executives and were carefully panelled with rosewood, walnut, light birch and mahogany. Deserted by the Prévoyance Sociale in 1957, and after an extensive restoration, the building now houses the CEGESOMA or The Study and Documentation Centre for War and Contemporary Society. Both services are part of the State Archives. (CL 09/09/1993)

Practical information

Saturday van 10:00 to 17:00

square de l’Aviation 29, 1070 Anderlecht

Advance booking not required.

Accessible with assistance

Address
square de l’Aviation 29, 1070 Anderlecht