The Marquis Building is an office block built between 1985 and 1989 on the former Sainte-Gudule Hospital site in Rue du Marquis/Markiesstraat, from which the building derives its prestigious name. It was commissioned by insurance company Groupe AG from Antwerp-based ELD Partnership and Atelier d’Architecture de Genval, led by André Jacqmain. Atelier d’Architecture de Genval is the pioneering firm of postmodern architecture in Belgium, it was founded by Jacqmain in 1967 on completion of the Glaverbel building in Watermael-Boitsfort/Watermaal-Bosvoorde and was behind many flagship postmodernist buildings in Brussels in the 1980s and 1990s. The Marquis Building wears its postmodern aesthetics on its sleeve, deliberately mirroring the neighbouring Saints-Michel-et-Gudule/Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele Cathedral. Jacqmain came up with a new take on Gothic style, arguing that “Flemish architecture is essentially Gothic architecture, because throughout the rest of its history, this country, having been conquered by the Spaniards, the Austrians and the French, has never produced any authentic architecture of its own”. He designed pastiche buttresses and towers topped with faux Gothic lace motifs, echoing the cathedral. Indeed, some would criticise the building for stealing the show from its neighbour. The Marquis Building was home to much of the Flemish Administration between 1989 and 2007, before a large-scale renovation by ALTIPLAN°architects in 2009. Fortis Holding (later Ageas) chose to make the building its headquarters in 2010, and the Euronext Brussels stock exchange relocated there in 2015.

These premises, now run by asset manager Tribeca Capital Partners, are also the base for the artistic initiative Reset Atelier, a new space designed by non-profit organisation Arty Farty Brussels and devoted to visual arts and contemporary design. Neighbouring the older Reset, which it complements perfectly, Reset Atelier hosts artists’ studios, cultural offices and events spaces (Agora), and has been designed as a living, creative venue. Capitalising on its central and accessible position, this new temporary initiative aims to bring together and promote social and artistic dynamism through lively and inspiring cultural programming.

The studios provide work spaces for some 20 resident artists, whose skills range from painting to design, ceramics, sculpture and scenography, while the offices are used by cultural entrepreneurs and organisations. The Agora can host a panoply of artistic activities (exhibitions, performances, debates, musical events and fashion parades) and is therefore a major asset in boosting Brussels’ cultural influence. This events hub and its extensive bright spaces are geared towards both residents and the audiences that come to attend events. Residents meet, collaborate and undertake creative activities there, while the public can relax while exploring artistic initiatives put on by residents or invited collectives.

For the Brussels Gallery Weekend, the Marquis Building will open the doors of its Reset Atelier space, which will form the backdrop for a major exhibition which Heritage Days visitors will be able to explore together with the building on a self-guided or guided tour.